Lymphoedema and heart failure staff educational needs analysis: insights from a UK online survey. Part 1: qualitative findings.

BACKGROUND

Heart failure and lymphoedema frequently coexist, particularly in older adults, yet their combined management presents challenges for healthcare professionals. While compression therapy is central to lymphoedema care, it is used cautiously in heart failure because of safety concerns and inconsistent guidance.

AIMS: This article explores healthcare professionals' knowledge, experiences and confidence when managing patients with coexisting heart failure and lymphoedema, focusing on compression therapy and the application of recent clinical guidance.

METHODS

This qualitative evaluation analysed free-text responses to two open-ended questions within a UK-wide online survey of 342 healthcare professionals. Thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns.

RESULTS

Three interlinked themes were identified: 1) uncertainty and lack of confidence in applying compression therapy; 2) collaboration gaps and conflicting views between heart failure and lymphoedema services; and 3) calls for clearer guidance and joint education. Many healthcare professionals described difficulty in distinguishing between types of oedema, reliance on external input, and variation in guideline awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

Improved education, clearer clinical pathways and better interdisciplinary collaboration are needed to support confident, consistent care for patients with coexisting heart failure and lymphoedema.