Prescription of medical compression stockings in France: results of a prospective survey in 1800 patients.

This prospective survey, realized by an independent institute at the end of the year 2011, has analyzed the prescription of compression garments in a sample of 180 French physicians. From the beginning of the survey on, 180 physicians (80 general practionners, 60 vascular physicians/phlebologists, and 40 gynecologists, distributed all over France) have I prospectively recorded the data on their next 10 patients seen in consultation for whom there had been : - initial prescription, - renewed prescription, - or consultation without renewal wearing medical stockings). (patients already Physicians participating in the study were all regular prescribers of medical compression (at least in 1015 patients per month). The study allowed to determine medical compression patients' demographic and medical characteristics, physician accounted indications, models and types of garments prescribed, and finally compliance and observance. This study, that reports new and original data, confirms the excellent level of knowledge of prescribers, their influence on the seriousness of medical compression wearing in France, as it does confirm the adequacy and relevance of the material offer of compression garment makers.