An audit of chronic oedema within the care home setting

This articles outlines the important issue of chronic oedema, its definition and the physiology of the three main categories. The care delivered in the care home (nursing) sector was the subject of a printed questionnaire and the results are presented here. They are discussed and the implications for practice and an evidenced-based approach to care delivery are considered. Several conclusions can be drawn from this study but would be strengthened by a larger study. Care for patients with chronic oedema could be enhanced and this would improve clinical outcomes; significantly fewer patients would need to be referred for GP management if an appropriate and timely first-line treatment was agreed and provided by nursing staff. An educational resource should be developed, including: a resource folder; e-learning, patient information, and a patient leg exercise regime; a crib sheet and myth buster information; and clinical competencies. A further study would be required to confirm whether fewer patients experienced falls or presented with chronic oedema when lower leg swelling was managed.