Pre & Post Conference Workshops

This practical workshop focuses on clinical reasoning skills surrounding various compression therapy options used to manage lymphoedema. The emphasis of this workshop is on the clinical reasoning and practical skills required to deliver compression bandaging. Clinicians will be introduced to the Jobst Compri2 compression bandaging system as an alternative to traditional multi-layer bandaging for conservative lymphoedema management.

Learning objectives

At the conclusion of this one day workshop, lymphoedema practitioners will be able to:

1. use clinical reasoning to explore how different compression options can be utilised with consideration of both individual client needs and stage of lymphoedema
2. describe compression therapy options in the context of lymphoedema best-practice management. Explore when best-practice management may require treatment modification.
3. describe the Law of La Place and its implications for compression bandaging
4. describe the Revised Starling’s principle of microvascular fluid exchange and relate it to outcomes of compression therapy.
5. describe how the Jobst Compri2 compression bandaging system works
6. apply and critique the Jobst Compri2 bandaging system for arm and leg lymphoedema
7. create and report on a client case study. Explore various compression therapy modalities.

During this half day workshop we will have experts in the field present key innovative treatment modalities to enhance your understanding of such things as the Lymph Scanner for assessment, Lymphflow Advance compression pump, EASYWRAP compression introducing custom made, ETO mid line compression garments including complex case management options and advancements in flat knit garment designs.

We will encorporate case study presentations, demonstation and hands on time with these innovative and exciting products so you can experience and determine for yourself the place for such assessment and treatment in your daily work with Lymphoedmea clients

This workshop is available to RNs, OTs, Physios and health care professionals who have prior knowledge in the management of Lymphoedema, have previously received basic skills training in Coban 2 applications and would like to learn specialty techniques.

This workshop includes demonstrations and practice for specialty techniques including breast, head and neck, scrotum and managing large legs and lobules.

In this 3-hour theoretical and practical session, hear from experienced lymphoedema therapists in public and private centres using hand held negative pressure, LymphaTouch®.

Presented through patient case studies, hear how experienced therapists have been able to advance their clinical treatment and business outcomes including profitability, staff safety and professional workplace longevity.

Learning outcomes:

1. Develop some practical clinical reasoning skills for using hand held negative pressure for the treatment of fibrosis, primary and secondary lymphoedema and scars
2. Understand the latest literature on lymphatic system anatomy and physiology for articulation of the rationale of negative pressure in lymphoedema.
3. Practically participate in using the technology on healthy workshop attendees by learning the “upper limb lymphatic drainage negative pressure massage technique and protocol”.
4. Understand the branding change from PhysioTouch® to LymphaTouch® and hear about product updates, research and innovation

Proudly sponsored by Garnet Medical, the exclusive Australian distributor of LymphaTouch® and PhysioTouch® for Australia and NZ. Numbers are strictly limited to 30.

The Princess Alexandra Hospital Head and Neck lymphoedema management program has undergone research and development over the past eight years. Over this time we have piloted and evaluated our assessment tool, ALOHA and now use this in routine practice to evaluate treatment outcomes. Our treatment program has been developed through a study of international best practice. It includes multiple modalities which have been tailored into a structured program offered to all patients attending our centre. Our therapy approach involves an intensive phase, transitional phase and supported self-management phase. We have commenced researching the effectiveness of this program with promising results from our recent pilot study.

In this workshop we will share The Princess Alexandra Hospital Head and Neck lymphoedema assessment and treatment program with participants and discuss how this program may be implemented or modified for local therapy environments.

Through attending this workshop participants will develop an awareness of:

• The usual course of development of head and neck lymphoedema,
• The ALOHA system of head and neck lymphoedema measurement
• The Princess Alexandra Hospital treatment program.

Demonstration and practical opportunities will be provided as able.

The impact of scarring on patients is significant physically, psychologically and socially. Development of hypertrophic and/or keloid scarring following injury, surgery and radiation creates an immediate effect on the both the scar tissue itself and adjacent tissues, in terms of contracture, fibrosis and oedema. Scarring needs to be well understood in terms of its effect on the patient, in order to manage it in the most resource effective and evidenced based way. This workshop will allow participants to practically and clinically develop their skills in scar management using clinical cases, including: objective and patient related assessment measures, scar prophylaxis, and conservative scar management strategies including use of pressure, silicone therapy, taping, massage and stretch. The implication for clinical practice in terms of management in lymphoedema will be explored, including discussion around complications, difficult scars, self-management techniques and managing patient expectations. Participants are invited to share their own experiences and case studies for discussion throughout this 3 hour programme.

This workshop provides the opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills regarding the specific anatomy of the lymphatics. It aims to show the various possible interconnections of the lymphatics of different body areas in order to adapt the treatment protocol. Using video and practical demonstrations, the session will take you through the normal anatomy, but also show you different lymphatic anastomosis and bypasses due to adaptive compensations. It will be linked to some of the unusual and little known or described drainage pathways that explain different causes and conditions of the lymphatics.

The session will trigger you to adapt your drainage protocol providing solutions to improve treatment. It will allow you to develop a greater understanding of the consequences of primary and secondary lymphedema.

Lymphoedema shares many parallels to chronic venous disease in regards to risks such as ulceration and infection, and in the utility of compression garments.

Venous valve malfunction causes distal venous hypertension resulting in oedema, varicose eczema and eventually ulceration.

Stagnation of venous blood predisposes to superficial and deep thrombosis which may result in post thrombotic syndrome.

The main difference with lymphoedema is that venous disease, especially in the absence of arterial disease and diabetes, is eminently treatable with very non-invasive modalities. Most venous ulcers will heal with treatment of the causative venous hypertension.

When faced with a swollen leg, a basic ultrasound examination can confirm or exclude venous disease very rapidly.

The ultrasound can show subcutaneous oedema, deep and superficial thrombi, and in particular using Doppler to demonstrate venous reflux either spontaneously or following an augmentation manouver.

This workshop will demonstrate these basic ultrasound skills.

The workshop will also present photos demonstrating the spectrum of venous disease and an explanation of modern treatment modalities such as endovenous ablation, foam sclerotherapy and adhesive glues.

Impedimed Info:

Speakers:
Leigh Ward, Sandi Hayes & Louise Koelmeyer

Bio:
This workshop, hosted by ImpediMed, focuses on the theory and practical skills required for lymphoedema practitioners to provide the latest in evidence-based risk reduction education, early intervention strategies and tissue analysis for clients dealing with the survivorship phase of cancer treatment. Explore how ImpediMed’s new SOZO device can lead to more efficient clinical decision making to educate, support and empower your patient’s quality of life as a survivor.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this workshop, lymphoedema practitioners will:

• Understand the theory of bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) and how the new SOZO technology is used in lymphoedema assessment and tissue analysis.
• Be familiar with the latest supporting peer reviewed evidence for the use of BIS in clinical practice.
• Have practiced taking an L-Dex reading for unilateral and bilateral at-risk limbs using SOZO.

Understand a client's cancer journey, including how surgery, cancer treatments and lifestyle (exercise, weight gain and hydration) can impact on the body’s tissue analysis thus impacting their rehabilitation and survivorship.