SMASAC Short Life Working Group on Lymphoedema - Lymphoedema Care in Scotland, Achieving Equity and Quality
A Scottish Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee Report. Providing information on the nature and extent of Lymphoedema. Making recommendations for Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate, Health Boards, NHS Education Scotland and Healthcare Improvement Scotland
Appendix 5: Information for Primary Care
Lymphoedema in Primary Care - Quick Guide |
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Prevention |
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People at risk include:
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Health care professionals should offer oral and written information to people at risk of developing lymphoedema on how to minimise their risk. Information should include:
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Recognition |
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People at high risk and their carers should be offered written and oral information on how to recognise the common signs and symptoms of lymphoedema:
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Primary health care professionals should be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of lymphoedema in order to differentiate diagnosis from recurrence of malignancy, deep venous thrombosis, or cardiac failure. If lympoedema is suspected early referral to a health care professional with specialist knowledge of lymphoedema for diagnosis, assessment and treatment is recommended. |
On confirmation of diagnosis the following READ codes are recommended:
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Treatment |
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Following assessment from a health care professional with specialist knowledge of lymphoedema the treatment and support for self management can be provided in primary care:
Cellulitis is a common complication and needs to be assessed and treated vigorously to prevent further lymphatic damage and worsening of lymphoedema. Guidelines on treatment are available from http://www.thebls.com/consensus.php. |
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Follow-up |
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Lymphoedema is a long term condition requiring primary care practitioners to have appropriate knowledge and skills so as to support people and their carers to self manage. Access to a practitioner with specialist knowledge is required if the condition deteriorates requiring reassessment. |
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GP Notebook http://gpnotebook.co.uk/homepage.cfm offers a useful summary of diagnosis and management in primary care. |
Contact
Email: Diane Dempster
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