Abstract
Lymphatic Education & Research Network Responds to COVID-19 Pandemic
Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) began revising organizational plans in February as coronavirus made its way around the world. In March, when cases began to grow exponentially in the United States, LE&RN, in partnership with the Lymphoedema Support Network (LSN) in the United Kingdom, developed COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guidelines for the Lymphatic Disease Community (https://lymphaticnetwork.org/documents/LSN_LERN_Covid19_Guidelines_2020.pdf).
Also in March, LE&RN worked with >200 other nonprofit patient advocacy community-based organizations in calling on Congress to include such organizations in any federal aid packages or supplemental appropriations measures, and to make changes to tax laws to give all donors the ability to receive tax incentives for their much-needed donations at this time.
Coronavirus Research, Open Access Offered
LE&RN has been able to share a generous offer for researchers from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers of Lymphatic Research & Biology, the official journal of LE&RN. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, free access to all articles related to relevant coronavirus research has been made open access in hopes that it can be a useful resource as a successful vaccine is developed and implemented. Here is a direct link to access all coronavirus-related research within the Liebert portfolio: (www.liebertpub.com/coronavirus). Now more than ever, the world is relying on the efforts of the medical research community, and at LE&RN we remain ever-more committed to supporting that crucial work.
LE&RN Steps Up Federal Lobbying Efforts and Advocacy on Capitol Hill
Although the national emergency made LE&RN's scheduled late-March lobbying days in Washington, D.C. impossible, LE&RN actually intensified its efforts on this front, calling on supporters to share their stories that LE&RN would then compile in making the community's case for more funding and more research. The response was overwhelming and LE&RN continues to collect these stories on its website. Those living with lymphedema and lymphatic disease (LD), as well as family members, health care workers, and researchers, are asked to contribute. Just visit https://lymphaticnetwork.org/congress
Livestream Symposium Series
In early April, LE&RN offered a free Livestream Symposium aimed at providing much-needed information regarding COVID-19 as it impacts the LE and LD communities: “Managing LE Under COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Orders,” presented by Kathleen Shillue, PT, DPT, OCS, CLT, Clinical Director and Physical Therapist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. This presentation was attended by hundreds of viewers around the world. All LE&RN symposiums can be found on LE&RN's website at https://lymphaticnetwork.org/video-resources.
National Comprehensive Care Network Guidelines for Breast Cancer Lymphedema Early Detection Updated
At the urging of The American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, LE&RN, and Impedimed, the National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) updated its guidelines to now encourage health care providers to consider pretreatment measurements for patients with lymphedema risk factors. LE&RN, along with these partner organizations, has long advocated for the early detection of lymphedema, which is critical for optimal outcomes. The NCCN guidelines are widely referenced by providers and decision makers when implementing or updating care and coverage of oncology patient services. NCCN guidelines can be found at https://www.nccn.org/disclosures/transparency.aspx.
New Video Available on LE&RN's Website
“Lymphedema Prevention Program…The Future in Cancer Care,” with Sabrina Korentager, MSN, RN, BS, CLT-UE, is now available on LE&RN's website. All LE&RN symposiums can be found at https://lymphaticnetwork.org/symposium-series.
LE&RN Creates Lymphatic Researcher Database for NIH
At NIH's request, LE&RN has created a Lymphatic Researcher Database (https://lymphaticnetwork.org/treating-lymphedema/researchers) to keep NIH informed of the lymphatic research being pursued worldwide. LE&RN now needs all lymphatic researchers to submit information for this webpage by contacting LE&RN at LERN@LymphaticNetwork.org. Research names, institutions, Pub Med weblinks, and brief research descriptions will appear on this page, searchable by name, institution, or topic. All 27 NIH Institutes and Centers have been provided this weblink. This initiative grew out of the efforts of the Trans-NIH Lymphatics Coordinating Committee.
LE&RN Offers Free CME Access to Lymphatic Research & Biology Subscribers
LE&RN has offered Lymphatic Research & Biology subscribers free access to LE&RN's 7-credit Physician CME: Lymphatic-Vascular Disease: Diagnosis & Treatment. Just use code LR&BFREE20. Read more about LE&RN CME seminars here: (https://lymphaticnetwork.org/treating-lymphedema/cme-seminars).
William Repicci
President and CEO
Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN)