Quality of Care of Patients with Chronic Lymphoedema in Germany
Herberger K, Blome C, Sandner A, Altheide F, Heyer K, Mnter KC, Gottlieb WR, Augustin M; 2013
Synopsis: This paper evaluates the quality of care of lymphoedema in Germany, and finds that many patients are not treated properly according to medical guidelines.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The management of lymphoedema is complex and should be based on guidelines. To date, no data assessing quality of care in lymphoedema in Germany are available.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed at evaluating the quality of care of lymphoedema in the metropolitan area of Hamburg using guideline-based indicators.
METHODS: Cross-sectional, community-based study including patients with lymphoedema. Assessment included a structured interview, clinical examination and patient-reported outcomes. Quality indicators derived from guidelines by a Delphi consensus were applied.
RESULTS: 348 patients (median age 60.5 years) with lymphoedema (66.4%), lipoedema (9.5%) or combined oedema (24.1%) were included. 86.4% performed compression therapy, 85.6% received lymphatic drainage. On average 55.0% of the quality of care criteria were met; 64.8% were satisfied with care. The distribution curve of the health care index was almost normal. Treatment by specialists led to a higher quality of care index.
CONCLUSION: Although overall quality of care in lymphoedema is fair, many patients are not treated properly according to guidelines.
Keywords: lymphoedema, lymphedema, management, quality of care, Germany
PubMed Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23838341
Other Link: http://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/349988
APA Citation: Herberger, K., Blome, C., Sandner, A., Altheide, F., Heyer, K., & Mnter, K. et al. (2013). Quality of Care of Patients with Chronic Lymphoedema in Germany. Dermatology, 226(3), 238-246. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000349988
AMA Citation: Herberger K, Blome C, Sandner A et al. Quality of Care of Patients with Chronic Lymphoedema in Germany. Dermatology. 2013;226(3):238-246. doi:10.1159/000349988.
