- TPE is a personalized and flexible process that includes activities aimed at transferring knowledge about the disease and self-management and self-care skills to patients and their families.
- In clinical practice, and in agreement with a multidisciplinary team, the physiotherapist, in addition to specific treatment techniques, must implement an educational approach adapted to the patient.
- This study was designed to explore physiotherapists’ experience in implementing TPE in patients with lymphedema, to compare methodologies and tools used, to identify critical issues encountered, and to assess any need for further knowledge development.
ABSTRACT
Survey on Therapeutic Education in Patients with Lymphedema
This questionnaire is aimed at physiotherapists and seeks to investigate the importance given to Therapeutic Education as a support to patients with lymphedema in the management of their condition.
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All data is collected completely anonymously.
Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Therapeutic Patient Education (TPE) is a structured, person-centered learning process that supports individuals with chronic diseases in self-managing their health by drawing on their own resources, with the support of caregivers and their families [1]. TPE is a personalized and adaptable process that includes activities aimed at transferring knowledge about the disease and skills for self-management and self-care to patients and their families, in order to improve their Quality of Life (QoL).
Lymphedema, whether primary or secondary, is a chronic condition with a spontaneously progressive course, capable of significantly reducing QoL even in the early stages.
TPE, when combined with prevention and applied from the moment of diagnosis, is a crucial factor in controlling lymphedema regardless of its clinical stage.
In clinical practice, the physiotherapist, in coordination with a multidisciplinary team, must implement an educational approach alongside physiotherapy and rehabilitation, in addition to specific treatment techniques, to promote behavioral changes that benefit the physical and psychological health of the lymphedema patient and to empower them in managing their condition.
Objective: This study was designed to explore the experience of physiotherapists working in the field of lymphology in integrating Therapeutic Education into clinical practice, the critical issues encountered, and the potential need for further knowledge development.
Methods: A 20-item survey was developed based on a literature review and pre-tested by physiotherapists of Nis Physiotherapy in Lymphology.
