SubscribeNew International Consensus on Managing Lymphoedema
"A valuable, useful and illustrative educational resource."
"A framework for the clinical care of patients with lymphoedema"
An international consensus document, 'Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema'1, was launched in October 2006 at the British Lymphology Society's annual conference held in Birmingham. Intended to be multidisciplinary and internationally relevant, this document presents a model for best practice in lymphoedema in adults with the aim of raising the profile of the condition and improving the care that patients receive. The best available information is identified and critically appraised - linking recommendations to supporting evidence.
Lymphoedema is a progressive chronic condition that affects a significant number of people and can have deleterious effects on patients' physical and psychosocial health. Even though it may be greatly ameliorated by appropriate management, many patients receive inadequate treatment, are unaware that treatment is available or do not know where to seek help. Several recent systematic reviews have highlighted the distinct lack of evidence for the optimal management of lymphoedema
The recommendations made in this document are the result of a highly rigorous process and were derived from a UK national consensus on standards of practice for people who are at risk of or who have lymphoedema. The consensus process was driven by the Lymphoedema Framework Project - a UK based research partnership that aims to raise the profile of lymphoedema and improve standards of care through the involvement of specialist practitioners, clinicians, patient groups, healthcare organisations and the woundcare and compression garment industry.
Production of this document included review by an international panel of experts and endorsement by key national and international lymphoedema organisations.
Chapters include:
- Identifying the patient at risk
- Assessment
- Treatment decisions
- Skin care and cellulites/erysipelas
- Lymphatic massage
- Intermittent pneumatic compression
- Multi-layer inelastic lymphoedema bandaging
- Compression garments
- Exercise/movement and elevation
- Psychosocial support
- Palliative care
- Surgery
- Other treatments
In a Nursing Times article, two of the Lymphoedema Framework's consultant editors, Mr Phil Morgan and Professor Christine Moffat, said, "The document... is important for a number of reasons. It is the result of national and international consensus which inevitably gives the content credibility. Endorsed by lymphology societies from around the world, it provides a sense of collaboration in the struggle to improve the care of people with lymphoedema, regardless of the cause and wherever they may be. Finally, the guidance provided is of real practical use to all those involved in lymphoedema and all those who strive to improve the care and, ultimately, the quality of life of people with this debilitating condition."2
'Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema. International consensus' is supported by an educational grant from Sigvaris. For further information contact MEP at info@mepltd.co.uk. For further details about the work of the Lymphoedema Framework, visit www.If.cricp.org
References
- Lymphoedema Framework. Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema. International consensus. London: MEP Ltd, 2006.
- Morgan PA, Moffat CJ. International Consensus on Managing Lymphoedema. Nursing Times 2006; 102(44):42-44.