Lymphedema and Chronic Edema Management
This series of educational modules presents an in-depth, expert-facilitated overview of key topics in lymphedema and chronic edema management, across practice settings from pediatrics to elder care. This course consists of four modules covering the following clinically relevant topics including: (Module 1) differential diagnosis and complex measurements in lymphedema, (Module 2) lymphedema across the lifespan, with consideration of quality of life and patient-centred care, (Module 3) research and advanced treatment approaches, and (Module 4) application through case scenarios. This professional learning course offers a high quality educational experience for healthcare professionals working in Canada and abroad.
Contribution to Lymphedema and Edema Education: this course is being offered as an introduction for any generalist healthcare clinicians who may see individuals experiencing lymphedema or chronic edema. This course will provide learners with a comprehensive overview of the complex aspects of lymphedema and chronic edema and present clinical management approaches for these conditions.
Topics covered in depth are: the lymphatic system, emergent research and practice including surgery, other types of measures, and case studies from pediatrics to end-of-life care. Also included are expert presentations, including insight into how they formulate assessment and intervention plans.
This course sets the framework for hands-on courses and clinical practice. This professional education course does not replace nor does it serve as a CLT certification course.
Instruction and Module Design: This online course includes four learning modules delivered asynchronously over a six-week time frame. Learners work through the modules at their own pace. Modules include knowledge-checks and tailored learning activities to ensure that learning goals are being met throughout the course
Guest Lectures: Participants will have the opportunity to learn from well-known experts including Dr. Stanley Rockson, Dr. Margie McNeely, Dr. Melissa Aldrich, Dr. David Keast, Dr. Anna Towers, Dr. Catherine McCuaig, Dr. Vaughan Keeley, Dr. Siba Haykal, Dr. Elizabeth Dylke, Ms. Heather Watt, and Ms. Mona Al Onazi.
Course Hours
The course is approximately 1 credit equivalent (13 content hours). However you should expect to spend somewhere between 18-35 total hours on the course (varies depending on the individual). We do equate the course on the high end of that and 35 educational hours appear on the digital certificates that are issued after course completion
Upcoming course offering:
- April 3 - May 12, 2023
Join our email list to receive new course and deadline updates! 📧
Questions? Contact Shawn Drefs at sdrefs@ualberta.ca
Acknowledgments
Brought to you through the collaboration of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Professional Education, the Canadian Lymphedema Framework (CLF), and the support of a Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship.
This course received educational grants from essity and Juzo.
By the end of this course the student will be able to:
- Understand the complex issues associated with lymphedema management, such as differential diagnoses, quality of life, and challenges to maintaining stable volumes.
- Understand the current status of investigation and treatment, as well as the upcoming steps in surgical interventions and research progress.
Specific Learning objectives:
- Differentiate between types of edema, explain different measurements for lymphedema/chronic edema, and be more familiar with the quality of life considerations associated with chronic edema.
- Appreciate the timeline of lymphedema, the impacts of lymphedema at major stages in life (pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric), and have more awareness of the comorbid issues that may impact individuals with lymphedema in different age brackets.
- Approach lymphedema care from a person-centred perspective.
- Understand current practice and advanced research, clinical, and surgical interventions in lymphedema management from a Canadian perspective
There are no scheduled class times for this 6-week, self-paced course. Learners will work through a series of modules that include presentations by experts in lymphedema care and associated learning activities. Self-directed online learning provides flexibility but also requires organization and time-management on the part of the learner.
How much time commitment is required?
The full course offers approximately 12 hours of instructional time. Learners should allow 2-3 hours to complete each module however depending on prior experience with lymphedema and comfort levels with online learning, this timing may vary.
How is the course set-up so I know what is expected?
The course is offered on the University of Alberta’s eClass learning platform. The course website is organized with module content and learning activities posted by module for easy navigation. Learners will work through the modules in order by reviewing the recorded expert lectures and completing the associated learning activities. Learners are also asked for their feedback through a short survey after each module. To receive a certificate of completion for the course, learners must view all content and complete all associated learning activities in the course.
To apply please complete and submit the application then proceed to pay the $350 course fee to confirm your registration.
*100% of the $350 course fee is refundable if withdrawal is requested before the first day of the course.