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Edema assessment and management practice patterns among hand therapists: Survey research
Victoria Priganc1, Jacqueline Reese Walter2, Sandra H Sublett3
1Occupational Therapy Department, Clarkson University, Clarkson Hall, Potsdam, NY, USA.
Summary
Most hand therapists gain edema management knowledge through on-the-job training and continuing education, not academic programs. This may be evolving with advanced occupational therapy degrees.
Area of Science:
- Hand therapy
- Edema management
- Lymphatic system role
Background:
- Recent evidence highlights the lymphatic system's role in edema management.
- Current hand therapy practices regarding this evidence remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey hand therapists on their education and practices related to edema.
- To explore the translation of new research into clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- A 22-question survey was distributed to members of the American Society of Hand Therapists.
- Data included demographics, education, and practice patterns regarding edema.
- Statistical analyses included Chi-square and Fisher exact tests.
Main Results:
- 436 hand therapists responded (92% occupational therapists, 6% physical therapists).
- Most received edema education via on-the-job or continuing education.
- Physical therapists and occupational therapists with advanced degrees (MS, OTD) were more likely to receive specific lymphatic system education.
Conclusions:
- Hand therapists predominantly learn edema management outside of formal academic settings.
- Advancements in occupational therapy degrees may be increasing academic edema education.
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