Living with lymphoedema in Ireland: a mixed methods exploration of patient and service provider perspectives

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition characterised by swelling. It results from impairment of the lymphatic system following cancer treatment, congenital malformation or other medical conditions. This study is the first conducted in Ireland to investigate lymphoedema service provision from practitioner and patient perspectives, in addition to exploring the impact of lymphoedema on patients’ quality of life. Phase one involved a postal survey of 108 practitioners. Phase two involved five focus groups conducted throughout the country with a total of 33 patients. Phase three involved administering a postal survey and World Health Organisation (WHO) quality of life measure to 735 patients. Following integration of the mixed methods data, two super-ordinate themes emerged: lymphoedema - an unacknowledged condition; and the legacy of lymphoedema’s association with cancer. The first theme related to poor awareness of lymphoedema resulting in under-resourced, insufficient service provision, and feelings of isolation for patients. The second theme related to inequitable service provision for patients with non-cancer-related lymphoedema; and lymphoedema as a constant reminder of patients’ cancer treatment. Recommendations for lymphoedema service provision and patient support were made in light of these themes.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

msc

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Dublin City University

Year dc:date.issued

2010

Author dc:creator

• Murray, Maeve

• Psychology
• Health

Language dc:language

en