Building a Stronger Lymphedema Community in B.C.

After attending the International and Canadian Lymphedema Framework (ILF/CLF) Conference in Niagara Falls, I came away with a deeper understanding of what a strong, supportive lymphedema community could look like here in British Columbia.

Learning from Global Leaders

Several inspiring presentations showed how small beginnings—just one or two dedicated practitioners—can grow into comprehensive lymphedema centers that serve entire communities.

One standout example was the Lymphedema Wales Clinical Network, presented by Dr. Melanie Thomas. Their success began by identifying a clear problem, collecting data, and demonstrating how specialized services can reduce costs to the healthcare system.

Today, their multidisciplinary team includes:

• Lymphedema specialists

• Psychologists

• Physiotherapists

• Clinical leads for lymphedema and cellulitis

• Nurses

• A data analyst and dietitian

They’ve also developed excellent patient resources, such as PocketMedic films, which could be useful for us in B.C.

While Wales has a population of just 3.1 million, their level of support far exceeds what we currently have in B.C. (5.6 million)—a clear call to action for our community.

Advocacy and Awareness

Conference advocates emphasized the power of patient stories.
Encouraging patients to share their experiences, providing ready-to-use posters and templates, and gathering data on resource utilization (e.g., home visits, GP appointments, hospital admissions) can all help make the case for more robust lymphedema support services.

The LE&RN Centers of Excellence model provides a strong foundation, requiring at least three certified lymphedema therapists on-site as a minimum standard.

Building Community Services: A Case Study

Dr. Vaughan Keeley from Derby/Nottingham, UK (pop. 1.6M) shared how their lymphedema service grew from just two practitioners to a thriving multidisciplinary team offering the five key pillars of lymphedema management:

1. Compression: Bandaging, garments, and pneumatic compression devices

2. Skin care

3. Exercise

4. Patient education and support

5. Lymphatic drainage: Manual (MLD) and Simple (SLD)

Empowering Self-Management

Education remains the cornerstone of long-term success.
Ad Hendrix, PT, PhD (Netherlands) presented a model for patient empowerment built around six key questions that assess acceptance and control over one’s condition. In their program, patients spend two weeks in hospital learning personalized self-management strategies—a model worth exploring for chronic lymphedema care in B.C.

Free Learning Resources

Here are some of the excellent resources shared at the conference:

• S.T.R.I.D.E. Documents: A professional guide to compression selection, based on six factors—Shape, Texture, Refill, Issues, Dosage, Etiology.

• LymphLearn: An e-learning platform from the International Lymphoedema Framework with modules on pediatric, genital, and systemic lymphedema.

• EWMA e-Learning Courses: Wound management and compression therapy.

• Leaflets – Lymphedema Network Wales: Information for patients

Looking Ahead

The conference keynotes offered real hope for the future—research into potential cures for lymphedema is underway around the world.

As we take these insights into our upcoming B.C. Lymphedema Association Board planning meeting, we’re excited to explore how to apply these models and resources to grow lymphedema services in B.C. and build the connected, empowered community our patients deserve.

Sandi McConnach