The Lymphatic System, Lymphoedema, and Medical Curricula–Survey of Australian Medical Graduates

Abstract

The aim of this study was to survey the perceptions of recent (i.e., within the past 12 months) Australian medical graduates regarding (i) their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, and (ii) the extent to which the lymphatic system and lymphoedema were covered as part of their medical degree. Medical graduates were invited to participate in a 17-item online survey that asked respondents to rate their level of agreement (using a 5-point Likert scale; higher scores = higher agreement) to statements that explored their understanding and comprehensiveness of their medical degree. Responses to each item were described using n (%). Subscale scores for understanding and medical degree were computed by summing scores of individual items, described using means (SD) and compared by participant characteristics. Medical graduates (n = 230) perceived their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be low, and comprehensiveness of medical curricula specific to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be lacking. Subscale scores did not differ by participant characteristics. Improvement of medical graduates understanding of lymphoedema may facilitate greater awareness of lymphoedema, thus optimizing the timeliness of diagnosis and access to treatment.

Lymphedema after saphenous harvesting for coronary artery bypass surgery: case report and literature review

“…Making the right diagnosis is related to the knowledge of healthcare providers and there is a substantial gap in this field [33,34]. Lymphedema is somehow neglected in medical research and education and the outcome of this neglect would reflect on clinical practice [35][36][37] Šimek et al reported similar results in their prospective trial comparing minimally invasive and endoscopic great saphenous harvesting. Lymphatic discharge was significantly lower among the endoscopic group at seven days post-operation.…”