About the Project

Design HOPES researchers in collaboration with NHS Scotland, Talk Lipoedema and wider health and social care practitioners are evaluating the information available to prescribers and users of compression garments for people living with lipoedema. The Design HOPES team are evaluating users’ needs, establishing novel measurement techniques, and prescription processes, which will result in better fitting compression products, less waste and increased utility of compression products, and thus improved patient confidence and satisfaction. Ultimately, the project aims to deliver improved conditions for people living with lipoedema, improved management of lipoedema, reduced co-morbidities, reduced waste, and a significant decrease in carbon emissions.

Research undertaken in 2018/19 showed that people living with lipoedema benefit from wearing compression. The right compression can improve mobility and wellbeing, but it’s hard to find and current prescription methods result in significant waste and delays to treatment. We have surveyed 365 people with lipoedema, only 42% of whom are satisfied with their current compression garments and 15% never wear the garments that have been prescribed, due to significant discomfort or inability to get the garments on. This project will change this by improving the clarity of information provided to prescribers and by providing clear measurement and fitting guidance.

This project will provide prescribers with improved measurement and fitting guidance plus clearer information on the commercial compression garment options that will result in more people with lipoedema being prescribed well-fitting, comfortable and useful compression garments first time. This will improve the quality of life for individuals with lipoedema and reduce garment waste, along with associated carbon emissions and microplastics.