Evaluation of the care situation of patients with lymphedema during the Covid-19 pandemic. - LymphPandemie

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic poses a major challenge for patients with chronic disease as well as their care. In particular, multiprofessional and multidisciplinary care of patients with lymphedema as well as prevention of complications and exacerbations appear significantly impaired. The aim of this study was to present the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the life satisfaction of lymphedema patients and to provide a patient perspective on healthcare provision. Methods: 100 patients of a lymphedema outpatient clinic were interviewed about the use of health services, therapies and their personal situation during the pandemic. The SWLS (Satisfaction with Life Scale) was used to evaluate life satisfaction. Results: The SWLS decreased from 24.5 ± 6.7 SD pre-pandemic to 21.4 ± 7.4 SD during the pandemic (p < 0.0001; r = -0.58). There was a trend toward fewer physician visits with increased incidence of complications. Lymphedema-typical non-physician health services showed significantly reduced access rates. Telemedical services were well accepted. Conclusion: The subjective quality of life of patients with chronic lymphedema decreased significantly and with a strong effect. This underlines that this group is particularly vulnerable to problems concerning health care during a pandemic and therefore require additional care.