Compression therapy is a cornerstone intervention in the management of venous disease, lymphoedema, and chronic oedema, yet preventable harm continues to occur in everyday clinical practice. This session explores the concept of avoidable harm in compression therapy, drawing on clinical case examples, practice-based evidence, and insights shared by Stacey Bradshaw from the Australian Institute of Lymphoedema.
The seminar will examine common points of failure across assessment, product selection, application, and follow-up that can lead to skin injury, pressure damage, pain, non-adherence, and suboptimal healing outcomes. Focus will be given to the risks associated with inappropriate compression choice, inadequate patient education, and failure to reassess as clinical conditions evolve. Attendees will be guided through practical strategies to reduce risk, improve patient safety, and optimise outcomes through evidence-informed, person-centred compression care.
Emphasis will be placed on recognising early warning signs, matching compression systems to patient capability and lifestyle, and embedding reassessment into routine wound and oedema management pathways. This session is designed to support clinicians working in wound care, community, and aged care settings to critically reflect on current practice and identify actionable steps to minimise avoidable harm while maintaining effective therapeutic compression.
