Validation and Application of the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS):
A Condition-Specific Measurement Tool for Persons with Lymphedema
developed by Jan Weiss, PT, DHS, CLT-LANA
Lymphedema is a condition manifesting as swelling when the lymphatic system fails to successfully remove excess tissue interstitial fluid. It may result from varying etiologies, but commonly is associated with cancer treatment. Numerous impairments and activity limitations associated with lymphedema have been shown to adversely affect quality of life (QOL). Much of the literature reporting the effects of lymphedema on quality of life have utilized either generic QOL instruments or cancer-related outcome measures. The difficulty in using those measures is the lack of sensitivity to issues relating to lymphedema. Due to the specific impact of lymphedema upon patients, it is important to use a condition-specific measure to assess the effects of all kinds of lymphedema upon patients, and on which to plan and base appropriate treatment. The Lymphedema Life Impact Scale, (LLIS) was developed to fulfill that need.
The LLIS is a validated lymphedema-specific outcome tool designed to measure the impact of any extremity lymphedema on QOL. It consists of 18 questions divided into physical, functional, and psychosocial domains. It also has a unique feature including one question which inquires about incidence of infection, which is not commonly found in other lymphedema-specific measures. The LLIS is easily completed by patients and applicable to all patients with unilateral or bilateral, upper or lower limb lymphedema. Further, it may be completed either in paper or electronic format, and quickly scored manually or with use of an excel file Impairment Calculator. Both the LLIS version 2 and the associated Impairment Calculator (developed by Linda Hodgkins, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA) can be obtained at no cost from Klose Training; simply complete and submit the form on this page.
To read the full published article, please click the title below:
Validation of the Lymphedema Life Impact Scale (LLIS):
A Condition-Specific Measurement Tool for Persons with Lymphedema
