3.1. EVALUATION


The assessment is done to check the patient's progress. It will be done by the physical therapists at the beginning of the treatment, at the end of each week of the program and at the end of the program. The evaluation will be done by measuring the circumference of the member at special points with a tape measure and comparing it with the healthy side and by measuring the volume of the member at various points and by measuring the total volume with special volume measuring devices (Perometer and displacement volume measuring device water). There will also be an assessment of the patient's physical and general condition with special questionnaires. Finally, photographs will be taken of the patient's lymphedema limb. The data will be gathered in the patient's personal file, for easy access of the multifactorial team, to check the progress and to compare the patient's condition at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Specific materials must be procured for the assessment (Chapter 4).