VIDEOS TO HELP PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOEDEMA
A SERIES of videos has been created to help the growing number of people with lymphoedema.
With more than 10,600 patients all requiring NHS resources to manage the lifelong condition, a series of 16 information prescriptions have been developed to promote effective self-management.
Covering a range of topics including compression garments, skincare, healthy eating and exercise, the videos aim to give patients information directly and reduce the need to visit NHS sites for condition management.
They have been developed with the patient in mind and include first-hand experiences from people living with lymphoedema.
The video films will be sent to patients via email or text after a face-to-face consultation.
Simple data has also been developed to measure the effectiveness and this information can be downloaded by patients to highlight improvements in their management of the condition.
Melanie Thomas, national clinical lead for lymphoedema, who led the pioneering initiative, said: “With increasing capacity on the lymphoedema service and growing worldwide usage of mobile phones and tablets, we wanted to develop a novel way of providing information directly to our patients.
“This series of prescription films offer patients an innovative way of receiving information directly to support ongoing management.
“Utilising this technology is hoped will have many benefits. Not only will it reduce the need for patients to travel to hospitals for ongoing treatment and effectively reducing their time off work to attend such appointments, it really demonstrates prudent healthcare.
“These video prescriptions will improve care in rural settings across Wales, while also improving access to specialist lymphoedema care remotely.”
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “I am pleased to see this innovative approach being taken in NHS Wales, which will support patients to improve their quality of life.
“Using technology such as video clips in this way will help patients better manage their condition and reduce the need for multiple hospital visits.
“I am looking forward to hearing about how this new scheme has benefited patients.”
The information was developed in partnership between Lymphoedema Network Wales and PocketMedic.
PocketMedic is a digital platform delivering a high-quality series of health information films “prescribed” by healthcare professionals to support their patients to become more “expert” in managing their health conditions.