The Lymphatic System, Lymphoedema, and Medical Curricula–Survey of Australian Medical Graduates

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Lymphoedema is a common medical condition, with early identification leading to more timely management and better outcomes. However, people with lymphoedema in Australia express frustration about the lack of knowledge of their condition among doctors and other healthcare professionals, resulting in diagnostic and treatment delays. The overall aim of this cross-sectional study was to understand the perceptions of newly graduated doctors (interns) toward their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, and the extent to which both were covered within their Australian medical degree. It was found that interns perceive their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be suboptimal, and comprehensiveness of medical curricula specific to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be lacking. Findings from this research will be used to strengthen teaching of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema within Australian medical schools, thereby improving early recognition, management, and outcomes of lymphatic system disorders, such as lymphoedema. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to survey the perceptions of recent (i.e., within the past 12 months) Australian medical graduates regarding (i) their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema, and (ii) the extent to which the lymphatic system and lymphoedema were covered as part of their medical degree. Medical graduates were invited to participate in a 17-item online survey that asked respondents to rate their level of agreement (using a 5-point Likert scale; higher scores = higher agreement) to statements that explored their understanding and comprehensiveness of their medical degree. Responses to each item were described using n (%). Subscale scores for understanding and medical degree were computed by summing scores of individual items, described using means (SD) and compared by participant characteristics. Medical graduates (n = 230) perceived their understanding of the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be low, and comprehensiveness of medical curricula specific to the lymphatic system and lymphoedema to be lacking. Subscale scores did not differ by participant characteristics. Improvement of medical graduates understanding of lymphoedema may facilitate greater awareness of lymphoedema, thus optimizing the timeliness of diagnosis and access to treatment.