Even though millions are affected by various forms of lymphedema worldwide, the existing literature fails to fully define the population-based prevalence, health outcomes, and treatment costs of this disorder.
This information is even harder to obtain or quantify for lymphedema patients with associated integumentary complications.
The reasons for this include a lack of public awareness of the condition; insufficient education and knowledge among health-care providers regarding its etiology and management; and limited reimbursement coverage to support lymphedema care models.
Although highly interrelated, lymphedema and integumentary dysfunction have traditionally been taught, researched, and even managed separately. Progress has only recently been made addressing the interdependent nature of these conditions.
"Understanding Lymphedema"
Credit Hours: 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Eligible License Types: MD, DO, RN, LPN, CNS, ARNP, CNA, RD, CRT, RRT, RCP
Availability: Online
COURSE OVERVIEW
At the end of this program:
Participants should have increased knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiology of lymphedema
Participants should be able to describe the common complications associated with Lymphedema
Learners will be able to recognize edema and perform appropriate clinical texts to help with clinical diagnosis which will in turn improve overall patient outcomes
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This program consists of three lessons delivered in the form or articles to be read.
- Understanding and recognizing Lymphedema
- Not all swelling is equal: differential diagnosis of edemas
- Complications associated with lymphedema
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Heather Hettrick PT, PhD, CWS, CLT, CLWT is an Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Program
at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. As a physical therapist, her expertise resides in integumentary dysfunction with clinical specialties in wound, burn and lymphedema management.
Dr. Hettrick has three certifications including: Certified Wound Specialist by the American Board of Wound Management, Certified Lymphedema Therapist by the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, and is dual certified internationally as a Certified Lymphedema and Wound Therapist through the International Lymphedema Wound Training Institute.
Heather has diverse work experience in academia and the private sector. Her more recent employment history includes: Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education at the University of New Mexico; Vice President of Academic Affairs and Education for Gordian Medical, Inc. dba American Medical Technologies; Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at New York University; Adjunct Professor at Drexel University; Program Coordinator for Burn Rehabilitation Research at the William Randolph Hearst Burn Center at NY Presbyterian Hospital and a Master Clinician at the Hospital for Joint Diseases at the Diabetic Foot and Ankle Center.
Dr. Hettrick is a Past President of the American Board of Wound Management and currently on the Executive Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care. She is Program Director at Hospital St. Croix in Leogane Haiti where she oversees and manages a lymphatic filariasis clinic. She is actively involved in numerous professional organizations, conducts research and publishes, presents and teaches, nationally and internationally on integumentary related issues.
ACCREDITATION STATEMENTS
Accreditation Statement. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) and Wound Care Education Partners. The UHMS is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Full Disclosure Statement. All faculty members and planners participating in continuing medical education activities sponsored by Wound Care Education Partners are expected to disclose to the participants any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. Full disclosure of faculty and planner relevant financial relationships will be made at the activity.
"As this course's Joint Provider, the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society, Inc (UHMS) provides only administrative approval for the Continuing Medical Education (CME) aspects of this course. Consequently, the approaches, views, statements and opinions expressed in the lectures and materials being presented are those of the course's authors, lecturers and director(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the UHMS. A detailed description of the UHMS course sponsor relationships is available on the UHMS website at www.UHMS.org".
Designation Statements.
The UHMS designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
This activity is approved for 1.5 CE hours through the Florida Board of Nursing and is also recognized by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care.