Lymphoedema and heart failure staff educational needs analysis: insights from a UK online survey. Part 2: quantitative findings
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Managing patients with coexisting heart failure and chronic peripheral oedema or lymphoedema presents clinical challenges, particularly regarding compression therapy. AIMS: This evaluation assessed healthcare professionals' roles, confidence, training needs and use of guidance in managing heart failure and chronic peripheral oedema or lymphoedema. METHODS: A UK-wide service evaluation survey was completed by 342 healthcare professionals. Descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Compression-related care was undertaken by 97% of lymphoedema practitioners and 91% of nurses, but only 3% of heart failure professionals. Over 90% of participants requested further training, with 59% of lymphoedema staff receiving education in the last 5 years, compared to 21% of heart failure specialists. Only 16% of heart failure staff had read key compression guidelines. Top education priorities included referral pathways (64%) and compression in heart failure. Multidisciplinary webinars were the most preferred format (66%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the need for integrated education, shared care models and better dissemination of compression guidance to support safe and effective care for this multimorbid population.
Authors: Garry Cooper, Marie Gabe-Walters, Ioan Humphreys, Linda Edmunds, Hayley Taylor, Karen Morgan, Melanie Thomas
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4414540425