engleski

Initiative for the establishment of the National Lymphoedema Framework Croatia

Introduction: In 2021, the University Department of Health Studies, University of Split, Croatia suggested an initiative to establish National Lymphoedema Framework Croatia (NLFC). Advocating lymphoedema awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the wider public showed a significant interest to acknowledge importance of lymphoedema management and its implementation in the national healthcare system. The Croatian healthcare is lacking in basic lymphoedema care standards, starting from deficiency of trained staff, undersupply in clinics’ equipment, unestablished national guidelines, and absence in the provision of compression garments. These factors are impacting the population in need who are already facing prolong waiting for a referral to specialists, and/ or high expenses patients need to cover themselves. Aim: Forming of the NLFC will improve and enhance evidence-based lymphoedema management in Croatia. This initiative will further help in setting up collaboration in South-Eastern Europe towards mutual involvement in the improvement of lymphoedema quality of care. Method: In the past three years, the healthcare sector in Croatia organized a range of different activities to raise the awareness of the importance of lymphedema treatment and its potentials on a national level. Congress in “Lymphoedema, lipoedema and chronic wounds” has been held every year, four times heretofore, discussing the better quality of care on a national basis. The NLFC initiative started with supporting the education of healthcare professionals in the management of lymphoedema and lymphatic disorders. It followed with launching an online survey, which led to setting up a basic database in the monitoring of lymphoedema cases. The Croatian initiative established a stakeholders’ network and promoted preventative programs agreed upon amongst healthcare professionals and community representatives across the country. Results: An educational activity based on knowledge-share experience delivered so far, helped in building a better and more transparent lymphoedema community across Croatia. Rising voice about public prejudices and individual acceptance of compression garments was promoted via photography exhibition in Split in 2021, supported by the University of Split Institutions, Croatian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Specialist and lymphoedema patients’ volunteers. Croatian clinicians worked on the translation of the Best Practice for the Management of Lymphoedema to set up a national consensus in lymphoedema management. Conclusions: Establishing the NLFC will help the Croatian healthcare system to increase the importance of lymphoedema care and its promotion. Upcoming projects suggested across universities, hospitals, societies, and patient support groups came across encouraging feedback. By joining the international lymphoedema community, the NLFC will be able to build a knowledge- share platform and contribute the future projects.

lymphedema ; education ; framework

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