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Lymphoedema, a significant health problem in Israel: A descriptive community-based study.
Dorit Tidhar1, Daniel Deutscher2, Jane M Armer3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Netivot, Israel.
International Wound Journal
|November 25, 2020
Summary
This study describes lymphoedema (LE) patient characteristics and treatments in Israel, finding high comorbidity rates. The data supports future practice-based evidence studies for improving LE care.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Lymphoedema (LE) is a chronic, disabling condition with limited data on patient profiles in Israel.
- Understanding LE patient characteristics, treatments, and outcomes is crucial for effective healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe demographic, health, treatment, and functional outcomes for patients receiving physical therapy for LE in Israel.
- To evaluate the feasibility of conducting a practice-based evidence (PBE) study using existing electronic medical records.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective observational cohort study analyzing data from a large nationwide healthcare provider in Israel.
- Descriptive analysis of electronic medical records from 6013 patient episodes over an 8-year period.
Main Results:
- A high prevalence of comorbidities (80%) and chronic medication use (85%) was observed, with increasing trends.
- Stage 2 lymphoedema (45%) and lower limb involvement (51%) were most common, with increasing incidence.
- Key treatment activities included limb circumference measurement and self-management education.
Conclusions:
- This study offers a comprehensive overview of physical therapy patients with lymphoedema in Israel.
- The electronic medical record database is suitable for future practice-based evidence studies.
- Recommendations for enhancing data collection processes were identified to improve future research and care.
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