The development and validation of the LIMPRINT methodology

Moffatt, Christine J.; Murray, Susie; Mercier, Gregoire; Quere, Isabelle; Franks, Peter

Abstract

The acronym Limprint stands for Lymphedema IMpact and PRevalence INTernational and was run under theauspices of the International Lymphedema Framework (ILF), a charity dedicated to improving provision of careglobally. The primary aim was to identify the number of people with chronic edema (chronic edema present for>3months and due to a range of underlying etiologies and associated risk factors) within diverse health services in nineparticipating countries and to determine its impact using validated methods. An international protocol and samplingframework, online data capture system, and standard operating procedures were adopted. An international consensuswas used to create a core data tool that covered 13 domains. Specialist data on demographics and disability, details ofswelling, wounds, cancer, and health-related quality of life were also available for sites. The study protocol wasdesigned to allow flexibility in the types of studies undertaken within complex health care systems. All cases wereconfirmed using the modified pitting test. Sensitivity and specificity for this method were determined in Japanese andEuropean populations. Following confirmation of a chronic edema case, Lymphologists defined whether it was aprimary of a secondary form. The study was designed to provide robust evidence that chronic edema is an importantand unrecognized public health problem in health services with significant morbidity. Without evidence of the sizeand complexity, it will remain considered a rare phenomenon and people affected will be denied access to appro-priate treatment that would allow them to have fulfilled and productive lives.

Citation

Moffatt, C. J., Murray, S., Mercier, G., Quere, I., & Franks, P. (2019). The development and validation of the LIMPRINT methodology. Lymphatic Research and Biology, 17(2), 127-134. https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2018.0081

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 29, 2017
• Online Publication Date: Apr 22, 2019
• Publication Date: Apr 22, 2019
• Deposit Date: Sep 28, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 22, 2019
• Journal: Lymphatic Research and Biology
• Print ISSN: 1539-6851
• Electronic ISSN: 1557-8585
• Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 17
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 127-134
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/lrb.2018.0081
• Keywords: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/868709
• Publisher URL: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/lrb.2018.0081
• Contract Date: Sep 28, 2017