Lymphedema Rehabilitation: Provision and Practice Patterns among Service Providers: National Survey

Abstract Background: Information on the current practices and quantification of lymphedema service may be beneficial to promote and improve health care system. Therefore, this study aimed to describe characteristics of lymphedema practitioners, and lymphedema patients’ profile, and provide a comprehensive picture of lymphedema service provision in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study involved use of an online survey. The survey questionnaires included information about demographic and professional characteristics of lymphedema practitioners, lymphedema profile, questions on the services provided, and perceived barriers in providing a service. Results: Eighteen lymphedema practitioners (37.50%) responded to the survey. They worked in the major cities: Riyadh (78%), Jeddah (17%), and Dammam (5%), and most of them working in public hospitals (67%). Respondents typically had a background in physical or occupational therapy and had completed a basic training course on lymphedema treatment and management. About 75% of patients seen by practitioners had secondary lymphedema, 47% with breast cancer-related lymphedema. On average 72%, practitioners provide a “comprehensive” lymphedema services. The average number of lymphedema practitioners per service is 2.67. The perceived barriers reported included an inadequate number of certified therapists (100%), difficulties with transportation and lack of financial support (each =72%), and limited space for lymphedema practice/management (89%). Conclusion: The results suggest that lymphedema practitioners provide a reasonable, but not the optimal, services for lymphedema patients. The service provision is still limited and inequities. Therefore, more staffing is required to promote awareness of the condition and related services, improve referral and care coordination, and enhancing geographical and multidisciplinary coordination of the service.