Project ECHO: Enhancing palliative care for primary care occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Ireland.

Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses videoconferencing technology to support and train healthcare professionals (HCPs) remotely. A 4-month fortnightly ECHO programme was developed and implemented to enhance palliative care provision by primary care therapists. Teaching and case-based discussions were facilitated by palliative care specialists.

Pilot Study: The Effectiveness of Complex Decongestive Therapy for Lymphedema in Palliative Care Patients with Advanced Cancer.

Background: Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is a regimen of physical treatment for lymphedema. Its effectiveness is unknown in advanced cancer patients. This study evaluates effectiveness of CDT in this population.

Assessment, treatment goals and interventions for oedema/lymphoedema in palliative care.

Background: Little is known about the treatment of oedema in palliative care patients.

Aim: To outline the assessment, goals, and interventions for patients with oedema.

Method: A 6-month chart review of a specialist physiotherapy-led oedema service was carried out.

Palliative Care Edema: Patient Population, Causal Factors, and Types of Edema Referred to a Specialist Palliative Care Edema Service.

Background: Edema in palliative care patients is a common symptom, however, the research base for all aspects of its care is extremely poor.

Objective: To evaluate a specialist palliative care edema service in order to report on the patient population referred, the types of edema encountered, and the causes of edema.

Design: Prior to study, three different edema types were described for evaluation: lymphedema, nonlymphatic edema, and a combination of the two.

A profile of hospice-at-home physiotherapy for community-dwelling palliative care patients.

Aim: To profile a specialised palliative care physiotherapy service to community-dwelling patients.

Design: Retrospective audit.

Setting: Milford Care Centre, Limerick, Ireland.

Hip protectors in fracture prevention for aging adults at risk of falling: a study of user compliance.

Purpose: A compliance survey was conducted to establish factors that influence low user compliance with hip protectors amongst aging adults at risk of hip fracture. Medical professionals who deal with patients at risk of hip facture were also included in this survey.

Methods: For this descriptive study 2 questionnaires were designed, 1 for community dwelling aging adults at high risk of fall and hip fracture and 1 for medical professionals dealing with these patients.