An early intervention plan for identification and control of chronic lower extremity edema.

Chronic lower extremity edema is one of the most common medical problems; every second person has the problem, and every eighth has advanced problems that require treatment.(1) Treatment interventions for wounded patients and prevention plans to prevent recurrence abound in the literature. However only one reference could be found that identified the need to intervene before wounding occurs, and no plan for intervention was proposed. The purpose of this article is to present a plan for early intervention designed to identify and prevent disease progression for patients who suffer from chronic edema. An advanced practice nurse identified the need, devised the plan, and coordinated the implementation, and now wishes to share the information and tools with other advanced practice nurses. The first of its kind to be proposed, the plan consists of the following components: education sessions for medical professionals, patients, and caregivers that explain the rationale for early intervention, the need to identify and treat patients, and program guidelines and expected outcomes; and guidelines of treatment, health assessment, and patient outcomes. Successful implementation of the plan is measured by the increase in the number of patients sent to the program, and by the number of patients successfully controlling their edema.