Latest Irish Lymphoedema Research
Little research has been commissioned into lymphoedema in Ireland compared with other countries. A detailed study was undertaken by a research team from the School of Nursing in Dublin City University in associated with the Irish Cancer Society in 2010. The study is called Living with Lymphoedema in Ireland: A Patient and Service Provider Perspective highlighted the dearth of research in lymphoedema and the gaps in service provision and the impact the condition has on patients’ quality of life. Download the research here.
The study included an extensive survey of patients which concluded that there is a huge variation of experiences and deficiencies in the lymphoedema services. Patients reported a number of serious implications of living with lymphoedema:
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Research in Other CountriesOther countries across the world have faced the same challenges. Our nearest neighbours the United Kingdom including Northern Ireland, acknowledged some time ago the gaps in their services and undertook a systemic review of lymphoedema services.
As a result of on-going commitment and a consultative approach to service planning, services available to people living with lymphoedema have dramatically improved. Services are based on best practice, are standardised and delivered in a way that meets the needs of individual patients. The NHS has recently estimated that it saves £100 for every £1 it spends on lymphoedema services. Read more about the UK’s cancer strategy and its approach to treatment of lymphoedema patients here: Find out more about lymphoedema, treatment options & your medical entitlements on our Frequently Asked Questions page. |