Lymphoedema GP Toolkit launched

09 January, 2019

Lymphoedema GP Toolkit Launch from Eastern Melbourne PHN on Vimeo.

Access to limited specialist lymphoedema services across the state have highlighted the need to increase primary care capacity and knowledge of risk reduction, early identification and intervention and ongoing management of secondary lymphoedema. Strong emphasis is made on the importance of educating patients on self-management strategies including daily garment wear and weight management.  

Through funding received from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Victorian and Tasmanian PHN Alliance (VTPHNA), HealthPathways have developed clinical and referral pathways that GPs can access at the point of care.  This work also includes a GP toolkit comprising a webinar, clinical resources and a patient resource on the Management of Secondary Lymphoedema.  These resources will be made available statewide, through the Victorian PHNs. 

Precious McGuire, HealthPathways Melbourne Clinical Editor commented, "The Lymphoedema resources have been developed in consultation with subject matter experts across the state.  We hope that through education, and the use of HealthPathways, we can improve the rates of early diagnosis and increase GPs’ capacity to manage lymphoedema in the community. This will ease the burden on the specialist lymphoedema services across the state and provide better patient care."

GPs in Melbourne can access clinical and referral pathways and education resources via the Lymphoedema pathway