Patient education Resources

Lymphoedema is a chronic, progressive condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, leading to swelling, skin changes and increased risk of infection. Although specialist services provide targeted treatment, many patients are first seen in community settings where generalist practitioners may have limited knowledge or training in lymphatic care. This article offers a practical overview to support non-specialist healthcare professionals in recognising and managing lymphoedema. It outlines prevalence, risk factors and common presentations, highlights key assessment and differential diagnosis points, and reviews core management principles, including compression therapy, skin care, exercise and patient education. The psychosocial impact of lymphoedema and the importance of timely referral to specialist services are also discussed. Early recognition, consistent advice and person-centred support can improve outcomes and quality of life, while collaborative working ensures safe longterm care.

This article provides an overview of the common eczematous conditions that patients may present with in the community. With early diagnosis and treatment, including patient education and effective care planning, eczema can be managed succesfully by community nurses, not only releving pain, itch and irritation, but also improving patients’ quality of life. When formulating a comprehensive management plan, community nurses will need to be able to recognise, diagnose and treat the different presentations of eczema as well as understanding the main therapies, including emollient and topical steroid therapy.

Rosemary Pudner describes the special care needed when dealing with diabetic patients with foot ulceration.

Margaret Barnett gives an overview of the role of the nurse in the primary care treatment and prevention of COPD.
Margaret Barnett RGN, MSc, COPD dip is a COPD Nurse Specialist, Derriford Hospital, Devon. Article accepted for publication: October 2005

The author would like to thank Sallie Waring, medical photographer, Derriford Hospital, and those patients who gave permission to print photographs.

In her second article on drug delivery systems in the management of COPD, Margaret Barnett discusses the use of nebulisers.
Margaret Barnett MSc in Nursing Studies, COPD Dip., is a COPD Specialist Nurse, Chest Clinic, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon.
Article accepted for publication: February 2007

Margaret Barnett discusses a respiratory care case study which looks at the management of COPD

Margaret Barnett RN, MSc, COPD Dip is a COPD Nurse Specialist, Team Lead. Plymouth NHS, Estover Health Centre, Plymouth, Devon