A Comparison between Primary and Secondary Lymphoedema patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Comparison Of The Impact Of Pain Intensity And Psychosocial Factors Between Primary And Secondary Lymphoedema Patients
IRAS ID
125630
Contact name
Helen Poole
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Research summary
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that leads to swelling in various parts of the body, often leading to pain and loss of mobility. There are two types of Lymphoedema; Primary and Secondary, neither of which currently have a cure. This proposed research aims to compare primary and secondary Lymphoedema patients. This idea was developed as there has been no previous research identified which compares these two groups. Furthermore the majority of pervious research has looked at secondary Lymphoedema patients only and cancer patients in particular. Therefore the majority of Lymphoedema patients, primary and non-cancerous secondary patients, are currently ignored by research. Any differences and/or similarities between the two groups on their Pain Intensity, Body Perception Disturbance, Quality of life, Distress Thermometer and Psychological distress will be noted. These five constructs will be measured using a questionnaire and given to all Lymphoedema patients to complete themselves. Patients will be given assistance if needed and they will be able to ask questions regarding the study at any time. It is hoped that there will be differences noted between the two groups of Lymphoedema patients and additionally that there will be a general difference found between younger and older patients on all constructs. Furthermore the researcher hopes to find the existence of body perception disturbance in Lymphoedema patients to further knowledge in this area. Additionally it is hoped a link between pain intensity and body perception disturbance will be apparent in Lymphoedema patients, as this would be in line with previous research. What's more if differences between primary and secondary Lymphoedema patients are found then perhaps this information could be used effectively in future treatment of these patients.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0167
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion