Self-administration of complex decongestive therapy facilitated by the mobile application WeChat improves lymphedema and quality of life in breast cancer survivors: an observational study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Lymphedema is the most common complication of breast cancer patients. Complex decongestive therapy (CDT) is often recommended but the efficacy varies due to the complexity of management. This study investigated a novel model of CDT based on a mobile application with the aim of improving the management of lymphedema in China.

Methods

We developed a novel model of CDT for breast cancer survivors with lymphedema, including 5 days of CDT therapy with training provided by medical staff in the outpatient clinic and 3 weeks of self-administrated CDT with daily online instructions during phase I, and a life-long maintenance treatment with online instructions once a week for phase II, which delivered by WeChat public accounts. The breast cancer and lymphedema symptom exper

SUBMITTER: Liang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8904987 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature