An Enhanced Self-Care Protocol for People Affected by Moderate to Severe Lymphedema

Douglass, Janet, Mableson, Hayley E ORCID: 0000-0001-8731-6603, Martindale, Sarah and Kelly-Hope, Louise A ORCID: 0000-0002-3330-7629 (2019) An Enhanced Self-Care Protocol for People Affected by Moderate to Severe Lymphedema. METHODS AND PROTOCOLS, 2 (3). E77-.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/mps2030077

Abstract

Lymphedema is a chronic skin disease that has many causes and leads to significant disfigurement and disability worldwide. Recommendations for lymphedema self-care vary by setting and the World Health Organization guidelines for people affected by lymphatic filariasis- and podoconiosis-related lymphedema are centered around a basic daily hygiene regimen. Research on cancer-related lymphedema in developed country settings suggests that deep-breathing exercises and self-massage can improve lymphedema status, but these exercises are not routinely taught to people affected by lymphedema in developing country settings. To determine if the activities proven in cancer-related lymphedema can improve outcomes for people affected by lymphatic filariasis- or podoconiosis-related lymphedema, an enhanced self-care protocol for lower limb lymphedema was developed and trialed in Nilphamari District in Bangladesh and Simada Woreda in Ethiopia. Enhanced self-care activities were chosen on the basis that they would not add financial burden to patients or their families and included recommendations to perform deep-breathing exercises and self-massage, drink clean water, and eat fresh fruits and vegetables. The enhanced-care protocol was developed in collaboration with implementing partners in both countries and may be applicable in other populations affected by lower-limb lymphedema. Trial methods and results will be submitted for peer reviewed publication. Current recommendations for lymphedema self-care may be less effective for people with more advanced disease and new or cross-cutting methods are needed to improve outcomes for these populations.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	lymphedema, lymphatic-filariasis, podoconiosis, self-care, lower-limb, exercise, massage
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	29 Nov 2019 09:14
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:18
DOI:	10.3390/mps2030077
Open Access URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/mps2030077
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3063983