Improving patient concordance in lymphoedema management with SoftFit technology

Lymphoedema and chronic oedema patients are cared for by all members of the community nursing team. Without knowledge and understanding of how to improve the condition, nurses feel under immense pressure in caring for their patients. Compression garments are the mainstay of treatment in the 'maintenance phase' (long-term management phase) of lymphoedema and chronic oedema ( Lymphoedema Framework, 2006 ). Choosing the most appropriate garment for the patient, providing adequate compression and controlling the oedema, is challenging. Patient concordance and wear time will be improved if a comfortable fit is provided and the oedema is well controlled. This article includes four case studies in which lymphoedema patients were prescribed custom-fit, flat-knit graduated compression garments with the addition of SoftFit from BSN medical, which proved to provide greater comfort to the patient. SoftFit technology is a unique system of silicone yarns, knitted into the inner welt (knitted top-band area of a compression garment) of selected JOBST^® Elvarex^® and JOBST^® Elvarex^® Soft custom-fit, flat-knit compression garments. All four case studies indicate that wear time and concordance is improved by the addition of this technology.