National Lymphoedema Researcher, Lymphoedema Network Wales.
National Clinical Lead and Associate Director for Lymphoedema in Wales.
Br J Nurs. 2021 Feb 25;30(4):218-225. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2021.30.4.218.
During the COVID-19 pandemic it was initially not possible to see people with lymphoedema face-to-face at lymphoedema services, due to the potential risks of the virus, because they were shielding, because of redeployment of rooms or staff, and due to sporadic restrictions of movement. The pandemic therefore accelerated adjustments in lymphoedema service delivery, while ensuring effective and efficient care was paramount. This document presents a pragmatic guide for lymphoedema services. Although clinical and non-clinical staff need to comply with guidance from their own organisations/commissioners, this document aims to provide specific guidance and share good practice in relation to lymphoedema management. These guidelines are based on analysis of the national response of Lymphoedema Network Wales during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic and incorporate supporting contemporary advice. They have been used throughout NHS Wales, providing a standardised approach in supporting care for people with lymphoedema. In light of the enduring nature of COVID-19, it is imperative that lymphoedema services have a means to provide suitable care for patients. Although face-to-face appointments are sometimes deemed necessary, many patients can be suitably supported via telehealth consultations. These guidelines may help lymphoedema services restore and reset in a safe and acceptable manner.
在 COVID-19 大流行期间，由于病毒的潜在风险、人们正在自我隔离、房间或员工重新部署，以及由于行动限制的零星出现，最初无法在淋巴水肿服务中心面对面地为患有淋巴水肿的人提供服务。因此，大流行加速了淋巴水肿服务的调整，同时确保提供有效和高效的护理至关重要。本文件为淋巴水肿服务提供了实用指南。尽管临床和非临床人员需要遵守自己组织/委员会的指导，但本文件旨在提供与淋巴水肿管理相关的具体指导和分享良好做法。这些指南是基于对 COVID-19 大流行最初几个月期间威尔士淋巴水肿网络的国家应对措施的分析，并纳入了现有的支持性建议。这些指南已在整个威尔士国民保健服务系统中使用，为支持淋巴水肿患者的护理提供了标准化方法。鉴于 COVID-19 的持续性质，淋巴水肿服务必须有一种方法为患者提供合适的护理。虽然有时认为面对面预约是必要的，但许多患者可以通过远程医疗咨询得到适当的支持。这些指南可以帮助淋巴水肿服务以安全和可接受的方式恢复和重置。
