Supporting a green and just transition for NHS Scotland

Making Compression Work

This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with lipoedema by improving the prescription process and fitting of compression garments, ultimately reducing waste and environmental impact.

About the Project

We are collaborating with NHS Scotland, Talk Lipoedema, and wider health and social care practitioners to improve the prescription process for compression garments for people living with lipoedema. Our work focuses on understanding users’ needs, developing better measurement techniques, and refining prescription methods. These efforts aim to deliver better-fitting garments, reduce waste, and enhance the utility of compression products, ultimately improving patient confidence and satisfaction.

Compression garments can significantly improve mobility and wellbeing for those with lipoedema, but current prescription processes often fall short. Many users report dissatisfaction with their garments, citing issues like discomfort or difficulty in use, with some even abandoning them altogether. We are addressing these challenges by clarifying the information available to prescribers and creating clear measurement and fitting guidance.

By providing prescribers with improved tools and information, we aim to ensure more people receive garments that fit well, are comfortable, and meet their needs on the first prescription. This will enhance the quality of life for individuals with lipoedema while reducing waste, carbon emissions, and microplastic pollution. Our work supports more sustainable and effective management of lipoedema within healthcare settings.

A collaborative project, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, as part of the Future Observatory programme, and led by the University of Strathclyde and University of Dundee (DJCAD), with Heriot-Watt University, Abertay University, and the University of Edinburgh, NHS Scotland, industry partners, and public sector stakeholders.