Articles

CAN KNOWLEDGE AND MOTIVATION FOR LYMPHEDEMA SELF-MANAGEMENT BE IMPROVED WITH THE USE OF ICG LYMPHOGRAPHY? A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL REPEATED MEASURES STUDY

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Abstract

ICG lymphography is a lymphatic imaging tool that can inform lymphedema treatment, including self-management. Self-management requires patient engagement in a multimodal treatment program. However, lack of knowledge about lymphedema, challenges maintaining motivation, and lack of confidence in ability to perform self-management are barriers to engagement. This study aimed to determine if there was any change (immediate and/or delayed) to patient knowledge, motivation, confidence in lymphedema self-management, or lymphedema distress after undergoing ICG lymphography. A secondary aim was to observe health-related quality of life. A prospective observational repeated measures study followed 25 consecutive participants with limb lymphedema at three timepoints: pre; directly post; and, 12-months post ICG lymphography. A questionnaire exploring knowledge, motivation and confidence in self-management, along with lymphedema distress and a health-related quality of life tool were completed at each timepoint. Patients’ knowledge about lymphedema improved over all timepoints (p<0.001). Motivation for lymphedema self-management improvements trended toward significance directly post ICG lymphography (p=0.053), but was not maintained at 12-months. No other variables demonstrated significant change. Patients described the experience of undergoing ICG lymphography as positive and reported key learnings and changes to their self-management. ICG lymphography could be a useful tool to improve a person’s knowledge of their lymphedema and may positively influence motivation to engage in self-management. Further exploration to sustaining motivation over time and potential impacts to lymphedema outcomes is necessary.

Keywords: Lymphedema, Self-management, ICG lymphography, Education

How to Cite:

Trevethan, M., Doig, E., Patterson, F. & Pigott, A., (2026) “CAN KNOWLEDGE AND MOTIVATION FOR LYMPHEDEMA SELF-MANAGEMENT BE IMPROVED WITH THE USE OF ICG LYMPHOGRAPHY? A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL REPEATED MEASURES STUDY”, Lymphology 59(2), 98-112. doi: https://doi.org/10.2458/lymph.11205