DECONGESTIVE LYMPHOEDEMA THERAPY

"LEDUC METHOD" THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

As part of the Regional Review of Lymphoedema Services in Northern Ireland, it has been decided that all clinicians treating patients with lymphoedema will have to have successfully completed a recognised lymphoedema course.  This refers to the courses in Decongestive Lymphoedema Therapy D.L.T offered by Foldi, Vodden, Casley-Smith and Leduc.  Clinicians will also have to show evidence of bi-annual updates.  At Present, as is frequently also noted in Great Britain, many clinicians have little or no formalised training and have learnt through trial and error.  This new ruling will attempt to standardise care in the Province, reduce the effects of a postcode lottery service and will aim to develop a gold standard of care.  Albert Leduc, an eminent Belgian Professor, has been one of the driving forces in Lymphoedema in Europe for many years.  He has taught on various worldwide courses and is recognised as a world authority on Lymphoedema.  In the last few years Leduc U.K, a British branch of the Leduc academia, has been developing and delivering a complete medical lymphatic drainage package which covers training in the four corner stones of lymphoedema care.

The course, which consists of 3 modules, is taught by Professor Albert Leduc and Jane Wigg (Leduc U.K Manager) and covers:

-Skin care
-M.L.D - Medical Lymphatic Drainage
-Multi layer Lymphoedema Bandaging/Compression Hosiery
-Exercise 

Also:

-Psychosocial Issues
-Genital/Facial Oedema and much more

The 10-day course is held in Cannock near Birmingham.

Module 1 - 5 days - taught by Professor Leduc and Jane Wigg

Module 2 - 3 days - taught by Jane Wigg

Module 3 - 2 days - taught by Jane Wigg

Intermodular study and practice is required as written examinations are taken at commencement of 2^nd and 3^rd modules.  Practical exams also take place.

Having recently completed this course, I experienced the inspirational and enthusiastic teaching of professor A Leduc and Jane Wigg and the excellent group support provided by the other students taking part.  Approximately 50% of the students were physiotherapists.  As one of the older students on the course with an absence of formal study for a significant period, this support was of great assistance to me. 

The course is intensive and exhausting but is extremely rewarding.  Collecting the certificate of practice on the final Sunday is very satisfying.  Finally I would like to thank Professor Albert Leduc, Jane Wigg, and the other students for the experience not only of learning, but also for the peer support (especially whilst waiting for exam results) and also for the opportunity to meet so many people who are also enthusiastic about Lymphoedema and eager to improve standards.

For further information re: Leduc U.K Courses contact:

Leduc U.K
PO Box 3791
Cannock Staffs
WS11 1WH

Tel:  07947735704 or 01543504150

E Mail: Leduc@lymph.org.uk

Margaret Napier
Senior I Physiotherapist
Northern Ireland Hospice
74 Somerton Road
Belfast