Finalist: Keeping People Healthy Award
Lymphoedema is a chronic, lifelong and painful swelling condition that affects many people after having surgery for breast cancer. The Lymphoedema Prevention and Early Intervention Program aims to lower the rate of lymphoedema from up to 30% to below 10%. The program involves physiotherapists and occupational therapists who monitor patients every three months for early signs of lymphoedema. If detected, patients receive early treatment and a compression garment to manage the swelling. The program also addresses other surgery-related complications, such as breast oedema and swelling, axillary web syndrome, and shoulder problems.
This program started as an evidence-based model of care operating in Central Coast Local Health District. Funding from the Australian Government enabled the model to be developed, scaled and rolled out by the NSW Ministry of Health at a statewide level across 13 LHDs and 32 facilities.
Since 2021, over 6,500 patients have been part of the program. It has successfully prevented lymphoedema in more than 700 patients, with only 4% developing the condition. An economic evaluation showed a benefit-cost ratio of 8, meaning every $1 spent on the program saves $8 in avoided costs for NSW Health. The program also had a return on investment of 712%.
Although early monitoring and intervention for lymphoedema are considered best practice, this is the first time such a program has been implemented on this scale anywhere in the world.
Meet the other finalists for the Keeping People Healthy Award.
