The global challenges and priorities for education on Lymphoedema

Sneddon, M. (2016) The global challenges and priorities for education on Lymphoedema. Journal of Lymphoedema, 11(1), p. 8.

Abstract

Introduction: As a first step in developing a strategy for education, a project, under the auspices of the International Lymphoedema Framework, sought to determine common challenges experienced in addressing education needs internationally, to identify priorities and make recommendations to meet these. Methods: A focus group (FG) interview involving international stakeholders was held at the 2011 International Lymphoedema Framework conference. The FG comprised lymphoedema experts/practitioners from various professional backgrounds and people with lymphoedema, many of whom engaged in delivery of education. The FG interview was recorded, transcribed and analysed using NVivo software. Experts from the wider international lymphoedema community were recruited to explore, within their own country, what education in relation to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema was already being delivered. Findings: Multiple education needs and many challenges at various levels were identified by the FG. However there was much common ground, leading to agreement that increasing awareness across all registered health professions would have the most positive impact on patients in terms of early recognition, referral, intervention and support. Agreement was achieved on key content of education and various mechanisms suggested to support this. Conclusion: Such great need for education on lymphoedema exists at many levels with limited resources with which to address these. Achieving international consensus on the top priority being pre-registration professional education has enabled a more strategic approach to addressing common needs world-wide and provided opportunities to channel effort and resources effectively. Consequently, a process of determining minimum standards for lymphoedema education in pre-registration programmes was initiated.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sneddon, Mrs Margaret
• Authors: Sneddon, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Journal of Lymphoedema
• Publisher: Wounds International
• ISSN: 1750-7235