Lymphoedema and heart failure staff educational needs analysis: insights from a UK online survey. Part 2: quantitative findings.

BACKGROUND

Managing patients with coexisting heart failure and chronic peripheral oedema or lymphoedema presents clinical challenges, particularly regarding compression therapy.

AIMS: This evaluation assessed healthcare professionals' roles, confidence, training needs and use of guidance in managing heart failure and chronic peripheral oedema or lymphoedema.

METHODS

A UK-wide service evaluation survey was completed by 342 healthcare professionals. Descriptive quantitative analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Compression-related care was undertaken by 97% of lymphoedema practitioners and 91% of nurses, but only 3% of heart failure professionals. Over 90% of participants requested further training, with 59% of lymphoedema staff receiving education in the last 5 years, compared to 21% of heart failure specialists. Only 16% of heart failure staff had read key compression guidelines. Top education priorities included referral pathways (64%) and compression in heart failure. Multidisciplinary webinars were the most preferred format (66%).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need for integrated education, shared care models and better dissemination of compression guidance to support safe and effective care for this multimorbid population.