Exploring the psychological and psychosocial effects of facial disfigurement on the lived experience of head and neck cancer patients: a structed literature review (SLR)

My clinical role is as a Lymphoedema Specialist in an out-patient clinic which is housed in a Hospice in Central Scotland where I have been based for nearly 20 years. I provide leadership for the lymphoedema service for the health board, which includes the support and management for anyone living with lipoedema and lymphoedema of any cause as well as service development and education.

My other role is as a part time lecturer at University of Glasgow where I am programme lead on the Graduate and Postgraduate Specialist Lymphoedema programmes offering accredited education from keyworker to specialist level along with an online introductory course. I am very proud to be Co – Vice Chair of the British Lymphoedema Society as well as being a very active member of the Scottish Lymphoedema Practitioners Network and a teacher with Casley Smith Lymphoedema Education UK.

My special interests lie in supporting a rehabilitative approach to these long term conditions including promoting supported self management and tailoring individual treatment through goal setting. We have developed a strong patient support group locally who are consulted in any service development or new project for their views. I am passionate about involving our patients in decisions and actively in our management plans as well as providing timely information and education to all health care professionals to enable a better understanding of lymphoedema and lipoedema.