Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Assessing Healthcare Professionals’ Learning Outcomes After Establishing a Lymphedema Management Conference

Lymphedema remains a complex and often underrecognized condition requiring specialized knowledge for effective management.¹ Educational interventions have been shown to improve healthcare providers’ understanding and confidence in treating lymphedema.^2–4 To address this need, a lymphedema management conference was held to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals managing lymphedema cases. This study aimed to assess participants’ learning outcomes and identify key gaps in knowledge, particularly regarding advancements in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery techniques and their implications for plastic surgeons.

The first Saudi Lymphedema Management Conference and Live Surgery was held in Riyadh on December 15 and 16. A pre- and postconference electronic survey assessed attendees’ knowledge, diagnostic and treatment approaches, and confidence in managing lymphedema. The event included lectures and workshops on lymphatic anatomy, imaging, and emerging surgical techniques.

Preconference results revealed a substantial gap in knowledge regarding surgical advancements in lymphedema treatment. Participants’ baseline knowledge scores averaged 5.06 out of 10, with confidence levels in lymphedema management being notably low. Following the conference, postsurvey data demonstrated a significant improvement, with mean knowledge scores rising to 7.44 out of 10. Confidence in managing lymphedema also increased, with the proportion of attendees reporting a high level of confidence growing from 8.9% to 20.2%. (See figure, Supplemental Digital Content 1, which displays pre- and postconference improvements: mean knowledge scores out of 10 [n = 90 preconference, 84 postconference] [left]; percentage of participants reporting very confident [n = 90 preconference, 84 postconference] [right], https://links.lww.com/PRSGO/E185.) Although the improvement in self-assessed knowledge is an expected outcome of educational interventions, our findings also highlight a significant shift in participants’ reported confidence and clinical intent—nearly 90% indicated plans to implement learned strategies in practice. This behavioral intention is a meaningful metric of impact that transcends mere knowledge gain. Importantly, 89.3% of attendees indicated their intent to implement newly acquired knowledge in clinical practice. Table 1 provides a summary of the included participants.

Table 1.

Demographic Characteristics of the Included Participants

Demographical Characteristics	n		%
Role/position
Physician	40		44.40
Nurse	26		28.90
Physical therapist	2		2.20
Lymphedema therapist	9		10.00
Other	13		14.40
Specialty
Plastic surgery	47		52.20
Interventional radiology	1		1.10
Oncology	1		1.10
Breast surgery	2		2.20
Urology	1		1.10
Other	38		42.20
Years in practice
0–5 y	37		41.10
6–10 y	16		17.80
11–15 y	16		17.80
16–20 y	5		5.60
>20 y	16		17.80
Which session format did you find most engaging during the conference?
Lectures	31	36.9
Workshop	6	7.1
Panel discussion	8	9.5
Case study reviews	4	4.8
Live surgery	32	38.1
Hands-on demonstrations	3	3.6

Further analysis of knowledge acquisition showed that areas with the most improvement included understanding of lymphatic imaging techniques, microsurgical interventions, and postsurgical management strategies. Subgroup analyses by specialty or years in practice were not performed and will serve as a foundation for future studies exploring which professional groups or demographics benefit most from such educational interventions. However, gaps remained in advanced supermicrosurgery techniques and their clinical applications, highlighting the need for further hands-on training and interactive workshops. Additionally, a review of attendees’ backgrounds indicated a diverse participation from multiple specialties, including plastic surgery, vascular surgery, oncology, and rehabilitation medicine. Understanding the perception and accessibility of reconstructive lymphedema surgery among healthcare professionals remains an important area for future study.

Although the findings highlight the value of educational conferences in closing knowledge gaps, several limitations should be noted. The study was based on self-reported data from registered participants only, introducing potential selection bias. It specifically assessed healthcare professionals’ knowledge of lymphedema, with a focus on emerging microsurgical and supermicrosurgical techniques. However, those who did not register may possess greater baseline knowledge, limiting generalizability. Moreover, most attendees were from the Gulf and Middle East, underscoring the need for wider international engagement in future events.

The findings highlight the need for targeted educational interventions. Future conferences should focus on hands-on training, live demonstrations, and pediatric lymphedema discussions. Continuous development and collaboration are key to improving lymphedema care. This study showed that structured initiatives can bridge knowledge gaps and advance practice. Given plastic surgeons’ role in lymphedema surgery, specialized training could integrate microsurgical advancements into practice.

This study highlighted several key insights. Preconference data revealed significant knowledge gaps, particularly in advanced microsurgery, emphasizing the need for targeted training. Postconference results showed improved confidence and clinical intent, indicating potential behavioral change. The involvement of various specialties underscored the multidisciplinary importance of lymphedema education. Live surgical procedures and interactive lectures were rated most engaging, suggesting they are effective teaching methods. Remaining gaps in supermicrosurgery and pediatric lymphedema point to priorities for future training.

DISCLOSURE

The authors have no financial interest to declare in relation to the content of this article.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the First Saudi Conference on Lymphedema. Their dedication and meticulous planning made this groundbreaking event a resounding success. Special thanks are due to all contributors who played a vital role in enriching the conference with their expertise, commitment, and collaborative spirit, thereby significantly advancing the field of lymphedema management in Saudi Arabia.