Clinical decision-making for the management of oedema with compression

Venous and lymphatic conditions both require compression modalities that consider interface pressures and stiffness of the final system, using bandages, hosiery or wraps. Treatment pathways incorporate regimes that address aspects of the skin, wound and underlying vascular or lymphatic pathologies, including comorbidities that contribute to the aetiology of the condition. Extrinsic factors are environmental, local policies, resource management and patient preference, to encourage concordance with treatment. Resource management and concordance are further enhanced by self-care, which has the additional benefit of patient or wearer empowerment. Treatment selection is dependent on these factors and supported by clinical evidence within the theoretical framework and intuitive knowledge gained from experience with the management of patients with these chronic conditions.