This article is taken from the Autumn 2015 issue of LymphLine, the LSN's quarterly newsletter available to all LSN members.
For details of how to become a member, click here.
Raising GP awareness about lymphoedema – the fight continues
As long-time supporters of the LSN will know, one of the most challenging aspects of our work, and yet the one which remains of most relevance to our membership, is raising awareness of lymphoedema among General Practitioners (GPs). With greater awareness, GPs will be better equipped to diagnose, refer and offer support to those patients under their care who develop lymphoedema or chronic swelling. However, as we all appreciate, being a
GP in the NHS is a very challenging job, they are expected to know about so many conditions, to manage their practices,
to continue developing themselves, to support their staff and so it goes on. They are also incredibly busy and their time
is very valuable. The constant challenge is to find a way to engage them that is effective and seen by them as worthwhile. We have tried many initiatives and some have been noticeably more effective than others. Far and away the most successful has been the BMJ Learning module. But even this created more challenges for us
– but what a great challenge – as many of those doctors who completed the module wanted more! More information about the condition, how it is treated and what they can do to support their patients.
As you may remember, the module was very expensive and until recently we have not been in a position to consider doing
a follow-up module, however, we have recently received a legacy gift and this has allowed us to explore the possibility.
We have had a wonderful ongoing relationship with BMJ Learning since our last module and cannot praise them enough, but in the four years since then, some ‘new kids on the block of elearning’ have evolved and we considered it important to explore all our options before committing members’ funds.
After intensive investigation we have decided to create an elearning module specifically for GPs in partnership with the Royal College of General Practitioners online learning environment (RCGPOLE). The RCGP has over 50,000 GPs as members who now consider RCGPOLE to be their preferred provider of continuing professional education and the module will primarily be aimed at them but will also be available to GP speciality trainees, practice nurses and practice managers. As an organisation, the RCGP does not look to make a profit from their OLE which means that the module will be far less expensive than our last whilst, we believe, offering equivalent or better access to our target audience.
GPs will be able to claim Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by completing the module and their learning will be ‘tested’ using a variety of online methods.
As you will imagine the project will take many months to plan, create and launch but we did not want to wait to share our excitement! The module will be multimedia and include video – it will also include information on managing cellulitis, managing lymphorrhoea (leaking legs), red legs and much more!
This work has only been possible because one of our members was generous enough to leave us a gift in their will – we believe that this project is the perfect thank you for that generosity and will provide an ongoing legacy to honour it.
If you would like information about how to leave the LSN a gift in your will please contact the LSN office.
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