Abstract
The Japanese Certification Board for Lymphedema Therapists (JCLT) was established by 5 main societies including the Japanese College of Angiology, with the aims of evaluating a wide range of competencies, such as medical knowledge, skills, and proficiency required for therapists to provide complex lymphedema therapy in which various departments and healthcare workers are involved, as well as securing its healthcare standards. So far, more than 800 individuals have been certified as lymphedema therapists, of whom more than 70% are nurses, and they are providing therapy in every prefecture of Japan. Educational institutions are provided with teaching guidelines to promote academic standards. Although lymphedema is defined as a complication of cancer surgery in the present medical insurance system, it is necessary to evaluate lymphedema in terms of its therapy, including the treatment of primary lymphedema, as well as to ensure appropriate medical treatment fees reflecting the high-level skills of therapists. The healthcare environment of patients with lymphedema is expected to improve due to the growth in the number of lymphedema therapists.
