Volume 130, Issue 3 pp. 360-365
REVIEW ARTICLE

Resources on lymphedema surgery: How effective are they for patients?

Artur Manasyan BS

Artur Manasyan BS

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Sasha Lasky BS

Sasha Lasky BS

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Eloise W. Stanton MD

Eloise W. Stanton MD

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Brigette Cannata BS

Brigette Cannata BS

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Tayla Moshal BS

Tayla Moshal BS

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Idean Roohani BS

Idean Roohani BS

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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Emma Koesters MD

Emma Koesters MD

Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA

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David A. Daar MD, MBA

Corresponding Author

David A. Daar MD, MBA

Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of USC, Los Angeles, California, USA

Correspondence David A. Daar, MD, MBA, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Email: [email protected]

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First published: 19 August 2024

Abstract

Online patient education materials (PEMs) on lymphedema surgery were assessed for quality, readability, and content. A total of 37 PEMs were identified, primarily authored by academic/medical organizations. Readability scores indicated materials were difficult to read, with an average Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of 10.4. PEM Assessment Tools showed acceptable understandability (72.3%) but poor actionability (28.5%). PEMs often lacked information on surgical risks, postoperative care, and long-term follow-up. Simplifying language and adding visual aids could improve PEM effectiveness.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

The authors do not have any financial relationships or conflicts of interest relevant to this paper to disclose.

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions.

The full text of this article hosted at iucr.org is unavailable due to technical difficulties.