Performance and patient experience of Coban2 compression system for lymphoedema

Department: Nursing & Health Care School, School of Medicine

Supervisors; Dr Lorna Paul (Reader in Rehabilitation), Academic - (School of Engineering).

Funding Available: Industrial Partnership Funded. Funded by 3M and the College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences, and School of Medicine, University of Glasgow.

3.5 years funding available; Stipend £14,290 (first year) plus fees paid

We invite you to apply for an Industrial Partnership PhD based in Nursing & Health Care School, University of Glasgow and jointly supervised with Biomedical Engineering.

You should have a 1st or 2.1 Honours degree in nursing or one of the allied health professions and a basic knowledge of lymphoedema and its management. Clinical experience of lymphoedema management is not essential as clinical training and advice will be provided by Margaret Sneddon, an expert in lymphoedema practice and education.

Lymphoedema is a long term condition which has significant impact on quality of life, mobility and independent living. The 3M Coban2 Compression system has recently been introduced to the market. It is reported to be effective in reducing limb volume in people with upper or lower limb lymphoedema. However little is know about how the system performs in relation to patient activity over time while limb volume is reducing and to what extent compression levels are maintained.

The aims of the PhD are:
1) to examine short and long term effects of 3M Coban2 Compression system in terms of the interface pressures (i.e. the pressure between the skin and bandaging)
2) to evaluate the effect of physical activity on limb volume and interface pressures of people with lymphoedema when using the 3M Coban2 Compression system
3) to examine the effectiveness of the 3M Coban2 Compression system from the patients perspective i.e. in terms of pain, comfort, function.

The studentship will involve undertaking a systematic review or scoping study on the effectiveness of compression bandaging in the management of upper or lower limb lymphoedema, designing and implementing two studies; one investigating the effects of 3M Coban2 Compression system on interface pressures, limb volume, pain and function and designing a second investigation of the effect of physical activity on the efficacy of the 3M Coban2 Compression system.

If you would like further information please contact [Email Address Removed].

If you would like to apply, please send a CV and covering letter (clearly stating in your letter why you would like to be considered for this studentship) to [Email Address Removed]. Please also supply the details of two academic referees.

Closing date for applications: 27th June 2012 at 12 noon. Interviews are expected to be held on the 24th July 2012.