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, identifying problems with existing prescription processes and developing clearer measuring and prescribing advice. These efforts aim to deliver better-fitting garments, reduce waste, and enhance the utility of compression products, ultimately improving patient compliance 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.  Having surveyed people with lipoedema and their healthcare providers we have produced 2 information posters for GP surgeries. The first raises awareness of lipoedema and how compression can help manage symptoms with links to specialist support and a second step-by-step guide for non-specialist prescribers provides links to further information. These posters were sent to all GP surgeries in Scotland.

By providing prescribers with improved information, we aim to ensure more people receive garments that fit well, are comfortable, and meet their needs on the first prescription. However, there will always be some waste, so we are investigating a compression re-use service. This will enhance the quality of life for individuals with lipoedema while reducing textile waste and carbon emissions. Our work supports a more sustainable and effective management of lipoedema within healthcare settings.

Download the Making Compression Work posters:

What is Lipoedema

Lipoedema Flow Guide

Poster design: Gigi Jiang