Lymphedema: patient and provider education: current status and future trends.
BACKGROUND
The majority of patients schedules for breast surgery or radiation therapy for breast carcinoma do not receive basic information about the risk of lymphedema or its treatment.


METHODS
A review of the literature documenting patient and provider education on the risk, prevention and treatment of lymphedema was undertaken.


RESULTS
Formal education about lymphedema is not a part of the training of most medical and allied health professionals. Thus, patients do not receive information about the risk, prevention, or treatment of lymphedema.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational strategies for patients and providers need to be developed and implemented.
Runowicz
C D
CD
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D014481:United States; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies