Effect of Telerehabilitation Versus In-Clinic Rehabilitation Delivery on Self-Efficacy in Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Background: Individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) require self-management strategies to reduce risk of infection, exacerbation, and/or progression of lymphedema. The coronavirus pandemic thrust the medical field into the world of telehealth; both patients and providers were forced to reduce in-person treatments and engage in this new platform of rehabilitation delivery. The role of telehealth in promotion of self-management for BCRL is unknown. Purpose: This study examines self-efficacy during cancer rehabilitation for in-clinic versus telehealth visits among individuals with BCRL during the pandemic quarantine April to November 2020. Methods: Forty women who recently completed oncology rehabilitation for BCRL were asked to complete demographics and 2 Likert surveys, including the Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (ESES) and the Self-Care Self-Efficacy Scale (SCSE), to compare the efficacy of telehealth versus in-person treatment modalities. Results: Thirty-two participants completed the survey and indicated that the percentage of telehealth visits was less than face-to-face visits. Despite this, the participants indicated numerous positive moderately strong correlations between self-care self-efficacy and exercise self-efficacy for both types of visits (P <.05). Limitations: Self-report surveys by a convenience sample, multifactorial characteristics of rehabilitation treatment across modes, and varying severity of lymphedema may limit study findings. Conclusion: Telehealth provided safe and effective care to participants and bolstered confidence in self-care and self-management of BCRL. Data support that telehealth visits can be considered an essential part of comprehensive cancer rehabilitation care. Future research is needed to establish and optimize practice guidelines in both health delivery systems.