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The article offers information on the Lymphoedema Awareness Week to be held by the British Lymphology Society (BLS) on March 4-8, 2024 with a focus on lymphoedema in children and young people and their families.

Compression hosiery is the mainstay of maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence of symptoms for those with venous and lymphatic disorders. Choosing the right type of hosiery is essential to ensure that the garment meets the patient's needs and to facilitate concordance. Resources such as the CHROSS checker tool can be valuable in the selection process. Adore® (L&R) is a European Class range of compression hosiery which is suitable for those with oedema and mild--moderate symptoms of venous disease. It was evaluated in University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust, yielding positive outcomes for all patients. It is effective in containing chronic oedema and, due to its sheen, will potentially facilitate concordance for those wishing to wear a more attractive garment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following on from the successful set-up of a Red Leg Service in 2012, a team of expert clinicians was asked to develop an expert lower-limb group. Work streams were developed for cellulitis, deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) and leg ulceration, with the aim to ensure a smooth patient journey for each condition using an integrated approach. Each work stream was discussed and developed by the stakeholders. Omissions in the patient pathway and problems were identified, and solutions suggested. The work streams for cellulitis and DVT have largely been agreed but will continually be monitored by group members and prospective audit. For leg ulceration, a mapping event was required and the development of a new model of care. The leg ulceration pathway is in the pilot stage, with steps being taken to underpin knowledge across the Trust before a full rollout. The development of an expert lower-limb group has been instrumental in improving patient experience. Gaps in service provision have been highlighted and solutions generated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic oedema in the lower limbs can be a debilitating condition and has a negative effect on a patient's quality of life. As yet, there is no known cure for this condition; however, it can be controlled and managed, and its recurrence can be prevented. One of the most common and successful ways of managing this condition is the use of compression hosiery. With an expanding knowledge base of compression hosiery, lymphoedema specialists are now able to address historical problems of poor fit and concordance. Moreover, there is a wide choice of garments available today for clinicians to use, that not only help to control and treat the oedema, but have also improved patients' quality of life because the garments are comfortable and inconspicuous. Evidence has shown that concordance is greatly increased when patients participate in their treatment and help to decide on the most suitable garment for themselves. This article gives an overview of the use of compression garments when treating lower-limb chronic oedema in patients, and explains the aspects to bear in mind when choosing and prescribing compression hosiery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among other risk factors, chronic venous insufficiency predisposes an individual to chronic oedema. The use of compression bandaging in the intensive phase of treatment is indicated to reduce distortion, tymphorrhoea, and achieve wound healing. When applying a compression bandage, it is essential that the clinician considers the laws that underpin the theory of compression. Owing to the physical properties of the bandages, the use of inelastic compression is favoured for the management of chronic oedema, in view of the high static stiffness index achieved on application. It is essential that the bandaging regime is individualised to meet the specific needs of the patient. This includes the frequency of bandage change, while considering the extent of oedema reduction and holistic needs of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project was developed to set up a nurse-led service based on the needs of patients diagnosed with 'red legs'. These patients are often wrongly admitted into hospital for treatment of cellulitis. Representatives from the specialties involved in caring for those individuals with red legs were invited to participate with patients to create a stakeholder group whose purpose was to develop integrated care pathways focused on referral criteria, diagnostics and treatment to inform a new nurse-led service. There was a commitment to utilising a number of facilitation techniques and practicedevelopment methods in the progression of the project with the support of the Foundation of Nursing Studies. Much of the prescribed care can be carried out by the patients at home and only 25% patients have required a follow-up appointment within the new service. The service has now been fully commissioned and a secondment opportunity has been developed to lead the new service. Significant savings have been demonstrated and regular revision of the integrated care pathways with all groups, including the patients, will take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphoedema results from a failure of the lymphatic system. The consequences are swelling, skin and tissue changes and predisposition to infection. Lipoedema, however, results from the predisposition of an excessive number of fat cells in the lower limbs, typically from the ankle to the waist. Management for lymphoedema consists of volume reduction, reduction in shape distortion and improvement of skin condition. Treatment consists of a two-phase approach including an intensive and maintenance phase. The maintenance stage of treatment or self-care consists of skin care, exercise and compression garments. Case studies are presented featuring lower limb lymphoedema and upper limb lymphoedema and a patient affected by lipoedema. The case studies demonstrate how JOBST Elvarex custom-fit, flat-knit compression garments with knee and elbow functional zones enhances patient choice, garment suitability and potential for improved quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]