Practice Patterns of Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants Treating Patients with Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe practice patterns of physical therapists (PT) and physical therapist assistants (PTA) who treat patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) and determine if they are adherent to best evidence recommendations for lymphedema diagnosis and intervention. Methods An electronic survey to collect practice pattern data of PTs and PTAs who treat patients with BCRL was distributed. A descriptive and quantitative statistical analysis was performed. Results 26% of respondents read the American Physical Therapy Association sponsored lymphedema diagnosis clinical practice guideline (CPG) and 20% read the lymphedema intervention CPG. Lymphoscintigraphy was the only diagnosis or intervention tool with a significant difference in use between therapists who read versus did not read the CPGs. Adherence to “should do” recommendations was variable: bioimpedance (18.2%), volume calculation (49.3%), ultrasound (0%), patient reported outcome tools (64.9%), compression garments (43.9%), exercise (87.2%), and compression bandaging (56.8%). Conclusions There is variability in adherence to recommendations for both the lymphedema diagnosis and intervention CPGs. Interventions to improve implementation and adherence to CPG recommendations are warranted.