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Home-Based Lymphedema Treatment in Patients With and Without Cancer-Related Lymphedemaby S. H. Ridner, RN, PhD, E. McMahon, PhD, M. S. Dietrich PhD, and S. Hoy, Esq. To be published in Oncology Nursing Forum, in press. For reprints, email reprints@ons.org Abstract: Purpose/Objectives: This study compared treatment protocol adherence, satisfaction, and perceived change in emotional and functional status between lymphedema patients with and without cancer using the home-based Flexitouch® System for lymphedema self-care. Design/Research Approach: Quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test design. Setting: Private homes in the continental United States and Alaska. Sample/Participants: 155 community dwelling individuals with lymphedema; 93 with cancer treatment-related lymphedema and 62 with non-cancer treatment-related lymphedema. Methods/Methodological Approach: A pre-therapy survey was completed before use of the Flexitouch® System. Participants received in-home education about device use, safety precautions, and the two-phase therapy protocol. A post-therapy survey was completed during the maintenance phase of the protocol. Main Research Variables: Independent variable - Flexitouch® System. Dependent variables - treatment protocol adherence, participant satisfaction, and emotional and functional status. Findings: Non-cancer participants were more adherent to the prescribed protocol. Both groups were satisfied with the system, perceived it to be effective, and reported improvement in physical and emotional status. Participants’ use of professional manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) therapy, self MLD, and bandaging declined after initiating use of the Flexitouch® System. Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that patients using the Flexitouch® System are satisfied with the device and perceive it as beneficial in management of their lymphedema. Implications for Nursing: Ask what lymphedema self-care management practices patients are using. If using the Flexitouch® System, assess adherence to the prescribed treatment protocol and use of other self-care treatments. Facilitate communication among members of the lymphedema treatment team and the patient if problems are noted.
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