At CarePartners Outpatient Services, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and physical therapists provide rehabilitation services to increase strength, mobility, range of motion and balance among Western North Carolina (WNC) residents. One of the rehabilitation services is treatment for lymphedema, the chronic swelling of the lymph nodes. It is important for the patients with lymphedema to have appropriate and accurate information about their diagnosis, and the steps to take to stay healthy with this condition. The goal of this public service project was to create health communication materials to educate patients who are being treated for lymphedema in WNC. The process included gathering information from professionals at CarePartners, researching lymphedema and different types of lymphedema, was well as researching different practices and procedures to help manage lymphedema. I will draft the text and format the materials for the patient information booklet. After it is created I will solicit feedback, edit and revise the information for the needs of the patients. This project helps individuals of Western North Carolina understand their condition more fully and to continue there self care. The booklet will help to promote a healthier community overall. This project has increased my understanding of the importance of health information for patients with lymphedema and how common this diagnosis is in our community. Lymphedema is not curable but it can be controlled, and controlling this illness leads to a better quality of life for residents of WNC.
