Economic evaluation of compression therapies in the treatment of venous leg ulcers: a systematic review protocol

Background Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are an important public health issue, impacting individuals' lives and representing a societal economic burden. Compression therapy is considered the best treatment for VLU, but there is no conclusive evidence whether the health benefits outweigh the costs.Objectives To identify and describe economic evaluations relating to compression therapy for the treatment of VLU and to evaluate the quality of these studies.Method We will conduct a systematic review of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and LILACS databases and Google Scholar. We will include randomised controlled trials, pragmatic clinical trials, cohort studies, case-control studies and quasi-experimental studies which also describe an economic evaluation of compression therapy for VLU, published in English, Portuguese or Spanish. No time restriction will be applied. The screening and assessment will be done by two independent reviewers, supported by Covidence Software. ROB-2 and ROBINS-I tools will be used to assess risk of bias, and the CHEERS tool will support the assessment of the quality of economic evaluations. Discussion This systematic review will contribute to expand the knowledge about the topic. In addition, it may support health professionals' clinic decision making, assist managers regarding the allocation of resources, and improve the quality of life of individuals with VLU.Registration PROSPERO CRD42023393289.