Lymphoedema is a disease which manifests its self with swelling of the arm, leg, breast and any other body parts due to accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body. Technology has proven to be useful as experts can help their patients manage lympoedema through the use of telephones. This has been a success to many countries because some areas are so interior and the local hospitals do not have services for managing lymphoedema. Patients are able to receive theraphy this disease from the comfort of their home.
Assessing patients suffering from lymphoedema involves the developing of a telephone as an assessment tool. It is also necessary to train people in the medical staff so that they become familiar with the assessment tool (Woods, 2005). Patients suffering from lymphoedema should be prepared in about the assessment tool for them to accept the tool without strong reactions. This because some patients may prefer having a face to face therapy with the doctor since they feel much comfortable.
Development of telephone assessment tool
This tool is designed on the basis of various problems associated with lymphoedema and the appropriate strategies to manage the disease. The tool is supposed to identify whether the patient is having problems with the skin and if there is any infection on the swollen limb. The tool is supposed to identify whether the limb had experienced any change (Woods, 2005). It is also supposed to inquire whether the patient is wearing any compression garments and if they are still comfortable when they are worn. The tool is supposed to motivate patients address their concerns on any area on management of lymphoedema.
Therapists
Telephone assessment helps in speeding of the clinic work and the patients have their appointments on time. This is because the routine of several months booking will no longer be practiced and the patients have a chance to confirm their appointments within a short time. The numbers of patients who forget and do not attend their appointment dates are reduced. The medical staff therapists are able to control their workload thus incorporating other activities in their schedule.
Impact on clinical workload
The clinical appointments are postponed and others are no longer required at a monthly basis. These appointments are appointments are postponed when the patient does not manifest new problems of the lymphnoid and he appears to be stable (Woods, 2005). When the patients are discharged from the appointments they are given advice of where to look for further information.
Conclusion
The telephone is significant assessment tool for patients’ suffering from lymphoedema. This assessment tool has worked very well for patients suffering from lymphoedema because the resources are utilized efficiently and there is good time management. The monthly clinical appointments are reduced and the patients care is not compromised in any way. Also those who lymphoedema therapy their appointment were readily available. It is necessary for therapist using this assessment tool to be well equipped with interpersonal skills. They must be able to make the correct judgment on lymhoedema as they are not seeing the patients. This assessment tool should have a clear protocol and the standards of managing lymphoedema are supposed to be managed.
References
Woods, M. (2005). Telephone assessments in a lynphoedema clinic. Retrieved on 16th march 2012 from,
(2007). National breast cancer center: incorporating the ovarian breast cancer program. Retrieved on 16th march 2012 from,
