The research informing Lymbase was conducted with, and reviewed by, experienced therapists. As we move closer and closer to Lymbase v1 launch (one week to go!) the role of Lymbase as a clinical decision support system has come into sharp focus. As we get more eyes on the platform it has become clear that there needs to be more prompts and guidance for our newer therapists. This has been clearest in the entry of the initial contact where specifics around the medical history are now being added.
The challenge for any clinical decision support system is ensure the evidence on which ‘decision supports’ are based, is solid. Unfortunately for many areas of medicine, particularly manual treatments, this evidence base is embryonic, and most treatment modalities are supported by expert opinion at best. It is our dream that one day Lymbase will be instrumental in building a stronger evidence base to direct treatment decisions for the betterment of our patients.
While our preference is to include ‘decision supports’ based on high quality peer reviewed research only, we have also included criteria, protocols, and guidelines where a consensus process has been followed. For example, a hover function for staging lymphoedema, using the criteria defined by the International Society of Lymphology, has been implemented. The circumference measurement guidelines published by the Australasian Lymphology Association is the protocol recommended for consistency in the measurement of limb circumference. A link to the ALA website circumference measurement guidelines and forms is located on the circumference measurement page of Lymbase or here (arm measurements, leg measurements, circumference measurement guidelines).