Compression garment service model: Facilitating access to compression garments through workforce and service redesign

Area of Science:

• Healthcare delivery
• Rehabilitation science
• Lymphoedema management

Background:

• Patients in Queensland face significant barriers accessing lymphoedema services, especially in rural and remote regions.
• Limited access impacts patient outcomes and quality of life, necessitating innovative service models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To trial and evaluate a novel compression garment service model.
• To improve access to lymphoedema care closer to patients' homes through generalist therapists.

Main Methods:

• A service model was implemented across ten Hospital and Health Services in Queensland.
• Generalist therapists (physiotherapists, occupational therapists) provided compression garment selection, fitting, and monitoring.
• Telehealth coaching, education, and resources supported generalist therapists.

Main Results:

• Generalist provision of compression garment services was safe, effective, and positively received by patients and professionals.
• Increased access to compression garment services was achieved in rural and remote locations.
• The model demonstrated feasibility for managing stabilised malignancy-related lymphoedema.

Conclusions:

• The implemented service model effectively addresses workforce and service provision challenges in lymphoedema care.
• It enhances the capacity of generalist clinicians to provide essential compression garment services.
• The model offers a scalable solution for improving lymphoedema management access across diverse geographical areas.