Anatomy and physiology of normal lymphatic system; physiology of oedema; different pre-disposing factors of oedema; prevalence, incidence, identification of those at risk, stages and development of lymphoedema; clinical features of oedema; assessment and holistic multi-professional approach to care; patient perspective - patients expectations, education and compliance; quality of life issues for lymphoedema patients; overview of the four cornerstones of treatment for lymphoedema; psychosocial and psychological issues in care support (patient support groups both locally and nationally); communication and interpersonal skills; ethical considerations within management of care - patient autonomy, choice and informed consent as well as service provision; nature of lymphoedema in advancing, palliative disease - how the disease affects the lymphatics; treatment (radiotherapy, surgery) and complications; symptoms in advancing disease i.e. fungating wounds, wound care, pain management; demonstration and practice of lymphatic drainage, palliative bandaging and compression; portfolio development and reflection of skills and knowledge; concept of lifelong learning and continual development; setting up a lymphoedema service and boundaries of professional practice.

Summative assessment:
Two essays:
1. Critically review and compare the care given to a patient with mild and uncomplicated oedema and a patient with oedema in advancing disease - 3,000 words (LO: 1, 2, 3).
2. A critical reflection and self-evaluation drawn from the evidence within the portfolio - 2,500 words (LO:4)

Formative feedback:
Tutorials, written feedback from clinical mentors, portfolio review.

To encourage self-assessment and provide evidence of the progress of theoretical and practical development of the individual practitioner, the student will maintain a course portfolio. This will include a learning contract, practice assessment record and a reflective diary. The practice assessment record will be utilised during the 6 day placement in the Lymphoedema Clinic at St. Giles Hospice (Pass/Fail). The module portfolio can be utilised further by the student as part of a lifelong learning philosophy towards education. For example, it could be integrated within a Personal Professional Portfolio which is part of the requirements for maintaining effective registration for nurses and midwives (NMC 2004).

All elements must be passed.

Students must complete the practice part of the assessment in order to submit the summative written assignment.

A variety of teaching and learning strategies will be employed, including lectures (30%), discussion and group work and reflective studies (20%), student presentations (10%), demonstration of practical skills and skill development in clinical practice (40%) (6 days clinical experience at St. Giles Hospice Lymphoedema Clinic).
Lymphoedema clinical nurse specialists and specialist lecturers will be actively involved in teaching.

Access to clients with lymphoedema
Library and learning resource services
Health Internet resources

Students undertaking this module must be currently working within healthcare practice and be registered with their professional body. They must be able to show evidence of access to patients with lymphoedema or be able to work in a clinic with a lymphoedema specialist/key worker.

Foldie M, Foldie E & Kubik S [Eds] (2003) Textbook of Lymphology for Physicians + Lymphoedema Therapists Biotext, San Francisco ISBN: 0 - 9729535 - 0 - 7
Twycross R, Jeens K & Todd J (2000) Lymphoedema Radcliffe Medical Press ISBN: 1 - 85775 - 377 - 1
Twycross R & Wilcock A (2001) Symptom Management in Advanced Cancer 3rd edition Radcliffe Publishing, Oxford ISBB: 1 - 85775 - 510 - 3