Faculty Advisor(s)
Kathleen Hughes-Butcher
Abstract
Lymphedema is a chronic and incurable condition associated with significant physical and psychosocial challenges, including depression, anxiety, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. Despite increasing recognition of these concerns, limited interventions exist that specifically address the psychosocial needs of individuals living with lymphedema. Additionally, individuals within this population often report limited provider awareness of lymphedema within the healthcare system. The purpose of this doctoral capstone project, Harmony in Healing: Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of Individuals Living with Lymphedema, was to promote well-being, improve quality of life, and increase awareness of the psychosocial implications of lymphedema through occupational therapy intervention. The capstone was implemented at Hodi Lymphatic Center, a specialized outpatient lymphedema clinic in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The project incorporated four areas of focus: program development, research, education, and advocacy. Program development involved implementing a structured leisure-based group for individuals with lymphedema to address psychosocial well-being through meaningful activity engagement and social participation. Research evaluated the psychosocial experiences of individuals with lymphedema and examined the effectiveness of program implementation. Furthermore, educational initiatives provided experiential learning opportunities related to lymphedema for healthcare students, while advocacy efforts focused on increasing awareness and improving knowledge among rehabilitation practitioners. Needs assessment findings identified significant psychosocial challenges within this population, as well as significant knowledge gaps among both future and practicing healthcare providers. Final results suggested that occupation-based, leisure-focused interventions, combined with practitioner education and advocacy efforts, may support psychosocial well-being, enhance holistic lymphedema care, and promote improved patient outcomes.
Publication Date
2026
Document Type
Poster
Department
Occupational Therapy
Keywords
lymphedema, mental health, psychosocial well-being, quality of life, leisure participation
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Brombacher, Bria K., "Harmony in Healing: Addressing the Psychosocial Needs of Individuals Living with Lymphedema" (2026). Entry Level Occupational Therapy Doctoral Capstone Projects Class of 2026. 10.
https://digitalcommons.misericordia.edu/otd_capstone2026/10