Edema Solutions for Wound Specialists

Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy

Format(s):   Live Seminars
Discipline(s):   Physical Therapy / Occupational Therapy
Contact Hours:   31
Registration Fee:   $495.00

Objectives

Upon completion of the ESWS course, the student will be able:
• explain the basic anatomy and physiology of the lymph transport system
• understand the safety valve function of the lymph system and the importance of the lymphatic component present in all chronic edemas
• explain the difference between dynamic and mechanical insufficiencies of the lymph system
• demonstrate improved understanding of the different causes of edema in the wound patient
• understand the relationship of Law of LaPlace to all forms of compression used in wound care
• demonstrate multilayered short-stretch compression for the lower extremity
• understand benefits of manual lymphatic drainage in wound care and demonstrate proficiency in basic MLD for wound patients
• understand the variety of compression garments available for patient self-management of lower extremity edema and be able to choose the most effective garment plan for each patient
• develop individual treatment plans for unique presentations, utilizing multilayered short-stretch bandaging, MLD and compression garments
• establish a support network of wound care clinicians focused on bettering wound care healing outcomes

Target Audience

Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, Osteopathic Physicians, and Physician Assistants

Confirmation Notes

Home Study Program
The Home Study Program is comprised of online courses and other provided reading material. 15 hours of home study are expected of the student. The Home Study Program will provide an opportunity for the student to develop knowledge of the theoretical components of course.
Class Times
A total of 31 hours of instruction is provided in the Edema Solutions for Wound Specialists Course comprised of 16 hours of classroom instruction and 15 hours of home study. Class hours are 8:00am–5:00pm.
Certificate/Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)
CEUs are available for Physical Therapists through the Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA), Occupational Therapists through the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), and Nurses through the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. For questions about receiving CEUs please call us toll-free at (866) 808-2249.

Agenda

Classroom Environment and Format
This 2-day weekend course is a thoughtful blend of theoretical content and practical skill development. With the strong theoretical content accessed online, in-class time can be dedicated to the development of hands-on technique and to clinical discussion. The student will first achieve familiarity with treatment for lymphedema of the lower extremity, then through manual practice, advance and adapt these new skills to various patient presentations commonly seen in wound care. With the use of clinical case studies, this course is presented in a collegial, relaxed, and interactive atmosphere that allows for free-flowing clinical discussion, helping to build the critical-thinking skills that are as important as the manual skills learned. This course is taught by active clinician educators who are as passionate about wound care as they are about lymphedema.

Description

This course is a special offering for wound specialists. Experienced wound clinicians know that effective management of edema is central to successful outcomes. Yet most wound specialists encounter cases in which the standard approach to edema management just doesn’t seem enough. Many wound specialists don’t fully appreciate the lymphatic component present in all edemas. There is a tendency to treat wound care and lymphedema treatment as two distinct treatment approaches, which can’t be blended. When the clinician realizes the knowledge of the lymphedema skill set will help to heal many of their patients, they realize bringing lymphedema understanding into their wound care practice is indispensable.
This course provides detailed instruction in lymphedema treatment as it relates to wound care. It is the purpose of this course to empower wound specialists with the essentials of the lymphedema skill set to allow them to optimally manage all edemas, thereby improving outcomes and often healing otherwise non-healing wounds. Therefore this course is for the clinician who wants to improve outcomes in wound care, not necessarily to create a separate specialty.
The successful student will be introduced to the similarities and differences of the full spectrum of edema types including lymphedema, venous edema, phlebolymphostatic edema, cardiac edema and others. You will also be introduced to suggested edema and wound treatment protocols for multiple limb types including: Charcot foot, the neuropathic limb, elephantiasis, and arteriovenous affected patient. Using proven methods to improve lymphatic function, the successful student will achieve lasting edema reduction, enhance immune function, improve skin integrity and attain lasting wound resolution in many patients.
Superior outcomes will decrease recidivism, shorten time to wound closure, attract new patients to your services, increase satisfaction and provide marketing advantages. The successful student is likely to find their services in high demand.
The experienced lymphedema therapist will find value in a detailed review of physiology and treatment techniques, as well as practical instruction that makes the direct connection between lymphedema and wound care, helping to strengthen their management of the lymphedema patient who presents with active wounds.