Full bibliography

Early lipoedema diagnosis and the RCGP e-learning course.

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Early lipoedema diagnosis and the RCGP e-learning course.
Abstract
Frequently misdiagnosed as obesity, lipoedema is chronic condition involving an abnormal build-up of fat cells in the legs, thighs and buttocks that cannot be shifted by exercise or dieting. Estimated to affect up to 11% of the female population, the condition is widely unknown by health professionals. This means women typically wait for many years before diagnosis. This allows the condition to progress unchecked, resulting in unnecessary deterioration and the development of associated comorbidities, as well as significant pain and mental anguish. A free, 30-minute Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) e-learning course created in partnership with Lipoedema UK aims to rectify this situation by educating nurses, GPs and other health professionals on how to diagnose and manage lipoedema in primary care. This article aims to describe the condition of lipoedema, how to recognise/diagnose it, current treatment options and the findings of a 240-patient survey carried out by Lipoedema UK in 2013 that included documenting the difficulties for patients in obtaining a diagnosis as well as the mental and physical effects of the condition.
Publication
British journal of community nursing
Volume
Suppl
Pages
S22, S24, S26-28
Date
2015 Apr
Journal Abbr
Br J Community Nurs
Language
eng
ISSN
1462-4753 1462-4753
Extra
Place: England
Citation
Fetzer, A., & Fetzer, S. (2015). Early lipoedema diagnosis and the RCGP e-learning course. British Journal of Community Nursing, Suppl, S22, S24, S26-28. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjcn.2015.20.Sup4.S22