Investigation of the effect of lymphedema self-care patient school on functionality, quality of life, lymphedema volume, and body value in patients with lower extremity lymphedema: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract

This study examined the effect of lymphedema self-care patient school education on patient functionality, quality of life, body value, and lymphedema volume in patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The study utilized a single-group quasi-experimental design. The study sample included 21 patients with primary and secondary lower extremity lymphedema. A multidisciplinary team created a face-to-face lymphedema self-care patient education program that lasted three weeks with four hours each week to enhance lymphedema self-care management. Data collected from participants prior to the program and then at third and sixth months via Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Lymphedema Functionality, Disability and Quality of Life Scale in Lower Extremity Lymphedema (LYMPH-ICF-LL), Body Value Scale, and extremity volumes. The average age of the patients was 54.85±11.99 years and two-thirds had secondary lymphedema. A statistically significant difference was found in the mean scores of LEFS (p<0.001), LYMPH-ICF-LL total (p= 0.006) in the 3rd and 6th months after the completion of the program, and in the lymphedema volume change (p= 0.031) in the 6th month. It was found that the lymphedema self-care patient school improved functionality and quality of life in patients with lower extremity lymphedema and decreased lymphedema volume. This lymphedema self-care patient education program is a safe and effective educational method for self-care management in individuals with lower extremity lymphedema. © 2024 International Society of Lymphology. All rights reserved.