Justine Whitaker has exceeded expectations by helping patients become independent and gain employment.
PhD by Portfolio student and School of Health, Social Work and Sport Senior Lecturer, Justine Whitaker, was inspired to study further by observing healthcare professionals in clinical settings facing limited treatment options that failed to produce desired results, leading to costly long-term care and disengagement.
Justine’s studies into the care of Lymphoedema, a long-term (chronic) condition that causes swelling in the body's tissue was to find easier and more economical solutions which benefitted both patients and service providers alike.
The approach was the innovative use of existing products in an adapted way which were then audited and measured. One study was teaching patients to self-manage their lymphoedema using other products which they can use instead of attending clinics or relying on District Nursing aided one patient to become independent and get employment.
"Justine’s work is the culmination of her professional growth and evidence-based contribution she has made in the field of conservative management of lymphoedema."
— Dr Ambreen Chohan
A second study involved a patient who struggled with wet legs for months. By introducing a product from another field of healthcare (debridement cloth) the patient was able to heal in 10 days. A third study addressed the problem of bulky bandages hindering mobility while maintaining effectiveness in reducing limb volume, an audit of a slim foam roll was conducted and later published as a poster at a conference and in a journal. This reusable and washable foam roll saves costs and is now available through prescriptions, with the published audit playing a significant role in this accomplishment.
Justine who previously won ‘Nurse of the Year’ in 2007 for inventing a product that was then manufactured globally was asked about her next steps. Justine said: “My previous work is a work in progress and is contributing to my PhD by Portfolio here at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).” Justine also integrates her research into teaching as ‘Evidence Based Practice’ which helps give the students at UCLan a ‘real-life’ experience.
Justine’s supervisor Dr Ambreen Chohan said: “Justine’s work is the culmination of her professional growth and evidence-based contribution she has made in the field of conservative management of lymphoedema. Her PhD by portfolio looks to capture her lymphoedema work to date and explore potential conservative management techniques that could empower patients to improve the way they self-manage their condition.”
