The Current Landscape of Assessment and Treatment for Lymphedema Patients

Dana Davis, PT, DPT, CWS

Online Course

Includes all course content in digital format

Prerequisites Required
2 hours - Provided by Summit Professional Education

Item: physi-VIDEOGLYMDD12CREDIT

Description

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that is characterized by lymphatic fluid collection in the body causing increased swelling. If recognized early this disease can be treated and possibly reversed (diagnosis dependent). However, it is currently a highly overlooked condition that is not diagnosed until it has progressed significantly. This course is aimed to aid the therapist in clinically evaluating, screening, and implementing treatment of this patient population. Improving knowledge and early recognition of this disease will help improve outcomes of these patients.

Highlights

  • Improve your understanding of lymphedema development, prevention, and pathophysiology
  • Best practices and guidelines for recourses, exercise, compression, and garments
  • Determine when and why to refer treatment to a lymphedema specialist and how to advocate for your patient

Learning Objectives

  1. Differentiate between types of lymphedemas and causes of secondary lymphedema.
  2. Examine possible treatment strategies for the lymphedema patient which will impact skin integrity, pressure, etc.
  3. Demonstrate when and why to refer treatment to a lymphedema specialist and how to advocate for your patient.

Course Content

The Current Landscape of Assessment and Treatment for Lymphedema Patients
SCORM Package
Next Steps
Module
  1. Pathophysiology of Lymphedema
    1. Pathophysiology epidemiology of lymphedema
    2. Types of lymphedema and staging
  2. Differential Diagnosis
    1. Evaluation of the whole patient and interview
    2. Red flags
    3. Questions to include and how to educate patients
    4. How to take girth measurements and why (reimbursement)
    5. Clinical tests and measures
  3. Treatment of the Lymphedema Patient
    1. What to expect from a Certified Lymphedema Therapist
    2. Resources available
    3. Exercises prescription
    4. Appropriate compression strategies
    5. Garments - overview of the basics
    6. Skin care and patient education
Dana Davis, PT, DPT, CWS is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified wound specialist with clinical experience focused on wound care and edema management. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including acute care, complex care, home health, and outpatient wound therapy. Dana has a passion for wound care education and experience in presenting it to therapy staff. She has remained an active professional student educator and continues to provide and improve the knowledge base in wound therapy for students and therapists. Dana has developed and improved education and access to wound care information in her hospital setting to improve quality of care for her patient population. She is a vocal advocate for improving education and standards of care across disciplines for the chronic wound patient population. Dana graduated from the Virginia Commonwealth University with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. She is a member and board-certified specialist through American Board of Wound Management (ABWM).

DISCLOSURES

FINANCIAL: Dana Davis is compensated by Summit as an instructor

NONFINANCIAL: Dana Davis has no nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

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