Exploring the experiences and perceptions of healthcare in women living with lipoedema

Abstract

Lipoedema is a long-term, progressive condition associated with the unusual distribution and proliferation of diet-resistant inflammatory fat tissue. It almost exclusively effects women and usually presents as a symmetrical enlargement of the legs and buttocks with associated pain. The relevant literature was reviewed and it was found that; there are many gaps in this research area, lipoedema has substantial negative psychosocial effects on the women living with this condition and evidential weight for the differential diagnoses of lipoedema was also found. A phenomenological research approach will be use to explore the experiences and perceptions of healthcare in women living with Lipoedema. One-to-one semi-structured interviews will be conducted on a sample of 6-8 women living with lipoedema over a period of 2 months. It is hoped that this study will meet its aim of creating new knowledge by providing a deeper insight into the experiences and perceptions of healthcare in women living with lipoedema. It is also hoped that this research will increase awareness of the condition and possibly influence future healthcare education and practices in the recognition, care and support of women living with lipoedema.