The Health and Safety Execultive lymphoedema model of care was published in 2018 highlighting the lack of dedicated lymphoedema services in Ireland. This led to the introduction of a proof-of-concept primary care specialist lymphoedema clinic. The clinic was responsible for all patients from their county. A comprehensive dataset was gathered which included the patient's history for 1 year prior to their presentation at clinic and then 6 monthly. A quality of life tool (LymQoL) and a patient satisfaction survey were completed. Completed 1-year data showed a significant reduction in GP and public health nurse visits as well as a reduction in the occurrence of cellulitis and associated hospital admissions. All areas of quality of life were improved and patient satisfaction was either excellent (89%) or very good (11%). The 1-year findings strongly support the roll-out of specialist clinics to all regional health areas.
Keyphrases
- primary care
- patient satisfaction
- public health
- healthcare
- palliative care
- mental health
- end stage renal disease
- general practice
- chronic kidney disease
- newly diagnosed
- ejection fraction
- risk assessment
- health information
- systematic review
- electronic health record
- randomized controlled trial
- big data
- health promotion
- patient reported outcomes
- deep learning
- artificial intelligence