Abstract
Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop a Lymphedema Self-Management Program based on the social cognitive theory, and conduct a short-term evaluation in order to improve the program. A single-group post-test quasiexperimental study was conducted at a cooperating hospital（A-Hospital）. Subjects were 31 patients diagnosed with breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer, who underwent lymphadenectomy. All subjects participated in the Lymphedema Self-Management Program, and a short-term evaluation was conducted using a questionnaire survey regarding achievement of educational goals and appropriateness of the educational method, as well as the assessment of early signs of lymphedema. The intention of the questionnaire, which consisted of 52 items（41 items pertaining to recognition and 11 to behavior）, was to probe the achievement of educational goals and appropriateness of the educational method. The questionnaire survey confirmed the achievement of educational goals and appropriateness of the educational method. Moreover, examination of the percent change in limb volume from the baseline at two months post-intervention and comparison of the number of lymphedema symptoms revealed the development of early signs of lymphedema in two subjects（6.5％）；however, early detection prevented the worsening of these symptoms. Based on the results of individual analysis, we were able to improve the program by revising content related to measures for comfortably continuing work after discharge. We consider our Lymphedema Self-Management Program, which is based on social cognitive theory and aims to support the education of cancer survivors, to be useful for increasing the self-efficacy of patients and achieving the three aspects of lymphedema management.
