Lymphoedema and chronic oedema: An overview

Abstract

Marie Todd provides practice nurses with the tools to effectively manage chronic oedema and lymphoedema, meaning care is delivered close to home Untreated chronic oedema and lymphoedema will advance, resulting in increased swelling and skin changes, and may subsequently lead to associated physical and psychosocial morbidity, which has an associated increase in costs and resources. There is now a much wider and improved range of compression products available to prescribe for managing these patients, which means a combined approach of preventative and active therapy can be achieved along the progression continuum of these conditions. However, a significant contribution to care must come from the patient—self-care initiated at the mild/preventative stage is the appropriate way to ensure the best outcomes are achieved, and must include addressing compounding lifestyle issues, e.g. obesity. With the correct knowledge and support, nurses working in the community can effectively manage chronic oedema and lymphoedema, meaning care is delivered close to home. Prescribing the correct compression system requires a thorough assessment, including any contraindications to compression, knowledge of the range available, and awareness of which approach should be used.