Early intervention

At the conclusion of this workshop attendees will be able to:

• describe the clinical and governance literature that support a prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care in breast cancer
• describe the components of a prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care
• describe how compression therapy can reduce progression to clinical lymphoedema
• describe how to implement the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care across public and private health systems
• describe enablers and barriers to implementing the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care.

A/Prof Louise Koelmeyer

BAppSc(OT) Usyd, PhD Macq

Louise is an occupational therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience in both public and private settings specialising in breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management. As Director at Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) program Louise is involved in strategically managing and developing the education, research and treatment arms of the innovative multidisciplinary program. Her particular area of interest is on the early prospective surveillance model of care in early detection and management of lymphoedema and innovative advances in management.

Louise has been leading and teaching in the ALERT Education program since 2017 including offering ALA accredited programs under the ALERT banner. She develops and presents education workshops and advanced skill-based units on all aspects of assessment and management of lymphoedema locally, nationally and internationally. Her particular area of interest is on the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care for the early detection and management of lymphoedema as well as innovative advances in conservative and surgical management.

Louise’s clinical interests and expertise are in developing a therapeutic relationship with individuals and personalising treatment programs that support the individual’s needs and goals to achieve positive outcomes.

Louise is a current member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), Australian Society of Breast Diseases (ASBD) and the Lymphoedema Action Alliance (LAA).

• Date: Monday, 6 March 2023
• Time: 9am – 4pm
• Venue: Training Room  B, 18 Wally's Walk, Macquarie University NSW 2109

1. Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) level 7 bachelor's qualification in a health degree or recognised equivalent, and/or a qualified lymphoedema practitioner.
2. Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or international equivalent, and/or current/eligible registration on the ALA's National Lymphoedema Practitioners Register (NLPR).
3. This unit is taught in English, so all students must be proficient in English. For more information, students can visit Macquarie University's guidelines on English Language Requirements

• Essity
• Regional Health Care Group
• Impedimed

We will explore:

• the characteristics of lymphoedema, how it is classified, how it impacts patients and the evidence-based risk factors for the development of breast cancer related lymphoedema
• the lymphatic physiology for breast cancer related lymphoedema
• the lymphatic anatomy for breast cancer related lymphoedema
• the assessment and treatment strategies under a prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care for breast cancer related lymphoedema
• early intervention treatment strategies for breast cancer related lymphoedema through case studies.

This online interactive training program has been designed to optimise the learning experience of the student and will include a mix of mediums and multimedia, including:

• responsive design which ensures accessibility for students across all devices: mobile, tablet and desktop computers
• chunked content which ensures an optimal learning environment with scaffolding to assist with memory retention
• flexible access which ensures students do not need to complete a unit in one sitting and may revisit units at any time
• an inclusive experience for diverse learners, including videos with subtitles
• interaction which makes for a memorable and integrated learning experience
• knowledge check activities allowing students to demonstrate their understanding and application of the learning.

Dr Louise Koelmeyer

BAppSc(OT) Usyd, PhD Macq

Louise is an occupational therapist with over 30 years of clinical experience in both public and private settings specialising in breast cancer rehabilitation and lymphoedema management. As Director at Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment (ALERT) program Louise is involved in strategically managing and developing the education, research and treatment arms of the innovative multidisciplinary program. Her particular area of interest is on the early prospective surveillance model of care in early detection and management of lymphoedema and innovative advances in management.

Louise has been leading and teaching in the ALERT Education program since 2017 including offering ALA accredited programs under the ALERT banner. She develops and presents education workshops and advanced skill-based units on all aspects of assessment and management of lymphoedema locally, nationally and internationally. Her particular area of interest is on the prospective surveillance and early intervention model of care for the early detection and management of lymphoedema as well as innovative advances in conservative and surgical management.

Louise’s clinical interests and expertise are in developing a therapeutic relationship with individuals and personalising treatment programs that support the individual’s needs and goals to achieve positive outcomes.

Louise is a current member of the Australasian Lymphology Association (ALA), Australian Society of Breast Diseases (ASBD) and the Lymphoedema Action Alliance (LAA).

The price for this Professional Certificate program is $49.00 USD (approximately $68.00 AUD). Start your online learning experience here.