Patient Self-Bandaging Guide for Clinicians.Independence, flexibility and lifestyle.

3M™ Coban™ 2 Compression System for Lymphoedema

Self-bandaging can help to empower patients/clients to treat themselves, saving time, providing flexibility and convenience within the privacy and comfort of their own home. Self-bandaging may assist selected patients/clients with independence and self efficacy in managing their lymphoedema.1, 2

Why self-bandage?

• Regional distance in accessing services• Limited resources available in lymphoedema management • Time restraints due to busy lives• To promote independence• Encourages patients/clients to feel involved in their own care• Ongoing maintenance

Who is suitable?

Not all patients/clients are suitable and careful considerations must be made before commencing self-bandaging.

These include:• Medical history and current health• Dexterity • Vision• Cognitive function• Mobility• Commitment to treatment

Teaching self-bandaging

• It is recommended for the therapist to practice self-bandaging in order to gain experience and confidence

• Allow plenty of time for teaching and practice• Check competency in application and removal • Discuss warning signs• Ensure patient/client is comfortable and confident to

undertake self-bandaging• Use of available resources to reinforce application techniques

eg video, application guide, information leaflets, Coban 2 website

• Provide contact details for who to call for advice

Tips

• If unable to do finger/toe bandage perhaps consider gloves• Promote exercises• Listen to patient/client feedback• Video the patient/client bandaging themselves to replay back

as a reminder of their individual bandaging requirements

Items required

• 3M™ Coban™ 2 Compression System bandages for practice and to take home

• 3M™ Cavilon™ No sting Barrier Film, to protect skin from friction and moisture

• Bandage scissors • 3M™ Micropore™ tape • A ruler, may be needed to measure lengths of cutting up

bandages • Template for web spacers / toe protectors as required• A mirror to assist with application• A mosituriser, eg 3M™ Cavilon™ Durable Barrier Cream or

Cavilon™ Extra dry Moisturiser • Nylon stocking or sock for legs• Application posters and instructions

3M Critical & Chronic Care Solutions Division

3M Australia Pty LimitedBuilding A, 1 Rivett RoadNorth Ryde NSW 21131300 363 878www.coban2.com.au

3M, Coban, Cavilon, Micropore are trademarks of 3M.©3M 2016. All rights reservedPB7785.04.16

1. Tidhar D, Hodgson P, Shay C, Towers A. A Lymphedema Self-Management Programme: Report on 30 Cases. Physiotherapy Canada vol 66, Number 4

2. Halloran D. Empowering the Lymphoedema Patient to apply compression bandaging. Poster presentation ILF 2014.

3M New Zealand Limited94 Apollo DriveRosedaleAuckland 06320800 80 81 82www.coban2.co.nz