title: Lymphoedema management at night: views from patients across five countries.
abstract: The aim of this study was to gain a comprehensive insight into the use of night-time compression in the management of lymphoedema in patients who had been suffering from chronic lymphoedema for over 12 months. Data were collected and analysed from 94 patients, across five countries. Understanding user characteristics provided insight and understanding into how night-time compression regimens were initiated, products were used and benefits to the patient were reported. In addition to gaining an insight into user habits and night-time compression benefits, unmet needs were also identified. Positive outcomes from the use of night-time compression were reported, with all patients identifying benefits of using night-time compression. An increase in swelling was documented in 89% of all patients in this study group when night-time compression was not used. The study provided an opportunity to explore how lymphoedema affects patients, and how night-time compression can form part of a beneficial regime.
authors.affiliation: Nurse Consultant and Senior Lecturer (Uclan), Northern Lymphology Ltd.
authors.forename: Justine C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Whitaker
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D001315:Australia; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009736:Nursing Process; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
keywords: lymphoedema; night-time compression; oedema; product experience; swelling