Education needs regarding lymphoedema: the specialists, the generalists and the differences of opinion

Résumé fourni par la source

Previous studies have highlighted education need in healthcare professionals (HCP) regarding lymphoedema, but evidence of specific content and differences between professions is lacking. This study was commissioned by NHS Education Scotland (NES) and Macmillan \nCancer Support. Aims of study: To establish the education need of healthcare practitioners across Scotland8 To establish whether there are differences between the opinions of lymphoedema practitioners’ and those of generalist HCPs’ regarding the generalists’ education need \nin lymphoedema. Method: Ethical approval was given by the Medical Faculty Ethics Committee of University of Glasgow. \nTwo concurrent electronic surveys were distributed; one for lymphoedema practitioners cascaded through the Scottish Lymphoedema Practitioners Group, the second for HCP cascaded by Scotland’s HCP leads via participating health boards to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals aimed particularly at community, oncology and palliative care and outpatient departments. The surveys were followed by focus groups to explore context and meaning. Results were analysed using quantitative descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: 37 LPs and 498 other HCP (>8 different professions), from 13 of the 14 health boards, responded to the surveys. Completion rates were 76% and 93% respectively. Only 13% of generalist HCPs felt their lymphoedema education needs were mostly/completely met. Differences in opinion of need occurred, e.g. on ‘assessment of chronic oedema/lymphoedema’ 69% of GPs identified need compared to 21% of LPs, ‘teaching simple lymphatic drainage’ indicated by 42% of physiotherapists but only 4% LPs and on ‘differential diagnosis of lymphoedema’ 68% of podiatrists compared to 9% LPs. The results of two mixed profession focus groups (2 \nn=7) highlighted the greatest influence on education need was the inequity of service throughout Scotland. Conclusions: Inequity of service provision affects the education need. Differences of opinion of education need existed between lymphoedema practitioners and HCPs, particularly podiatrists. This appreciation of opinions of education need and an understanding of the context and meaning of unmet education need in HCPs can be used to inform lymphoedema education strategy for maximum impact.

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