Pages: 42 - 47
Article topics: Education, Training
Lymphoedema is a progressive long-term condition that detrimentally affects many aspects of quality of life — physical, emotional, and social. The introduction of lymphoedema patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has supported patients to communicate the psychological impact, raising concerns such as anxiety, fear, low
mood, and poor body image. However, some healthcare professionals report feeling ill-equipped to respond effectively to these needs. This study explored lymphoedema healthcare professionals (LHCP) psychological and emotional education needs. A Google Forms survey was developed based on literature and expert opinion and disseminated via email to all staff (120) within Lymphoedema Wales Clinical Network (LWCN). Data demonstrated statistically significant correlations between levels of perceived confidence, perceived skills to discuss psychological issues, and level of psychological training received (p <0.001). However, nearly three-quarters of participants reported never receiving psychological training. This study represents the first step in understanding psychological education needs of LHCP and indicates future opportunities to potentially improve clinical practice in this area.