PhD-student, physician
Caroline Lilja
The Research Unit for Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital
| Projekt styring | ||
| Projekt status | Open | |
| Data indsamlingsdatoer | ||
| Start | 01.03.2024 | |
| Slut | 31.08.2026 | |
Exploring Patient Perspectives: A Qualitative Study on Lymphovenous Anastomosis for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema
Short summary
This qualitative study delves into the experiences of patients who have undergone Lymphovenous Anastomosis (LVA) for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL), a condition that significantly affects quality of life due to limb swelling and discomfort. Aimed at filling the gap in qualitative research on patient perspectives post-LVA, the study will utilize semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights into the emotional, physical, and social impacts of LVA on BCRL.
Rationale
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL), a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, leads to limb swelling, discomfort, and decreased mobility, impacting quality of life. Lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA), a microsurgery connecting lymphatic vessels to veins, might offer relief from these symptoms. However, there's a lack of qualitative research on patient experiences post-LVA. Understanding these experiences, including challenges and successes, is critical for evaluating LVA's effectiveness and guiding improvements in patient care and research. This study seeks to explore the experiences and needs of BCRL patients following LVA to inform better patient-centered care.
Description of the cohort
Patients will be recruited from our ongoing pilot- and cohort study on LVA for BCRL in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Odense University Hospital. Patients eligible for inclusion must be 18 years or older, possess a past or present diagnosis of arm lymphedema subsequent to breast cancer, and have received LVA treatment. Additionally, they should be proficient in Danish and capable of giving informed consent to participate. Oral and written information on the study will be given during one of their visits to the department. Informed consent will be obtained prior to inclusion.
Data and biological material
Interviews will be adapted to suit participant preferences, conducted either in a private setting within the hospital or via video conferencing. Expected to last between 30 and 90 minutes, these sessions will be audio-recorded and later transcribed for detailed analysis. An interview guide with open-ended questions will be used to encourage the sharing of personal stories and insights, thereby capturing a broad perspective of the patients' experiences and what matters most to them.