@article{0ab20b9b-9fda-4b3b-94a1-693bc7674e6b,
  abstract     = {{Internal head- and neck lymphedema (I-HNL) is a common side effect after head and neck cancer treatment, but the current assessment and rehabilitation practices remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore how Swedish speech and language pathologists (SLPs), physiotherapists (PTs), and lymphedema therapists (LTs) assess and treat I-HNL and how they perceive their competence in doing so. Web-based surveys were distributed in January 2024 to SLPs, PTs, and LTs in Sweden working with patients treated for head and neck cancer. The surveys included 14 and 16 multiple choice questions in the PT/LT and SLP versions, respectively, as well as two open-ended questions. Nonprobability sampling was used, with initial distribution through professional networks followed by snowball recruitment. Multiple choice questions were summarized using descriptive statistics, and open-ended questions were analyzed by systematic text condensation. In total, 65 SLPs, PTs and LTs returned the survey. PTs and LTs assessed I-HNL primarily on the basis of unaided visual observation of the oral cavity and neck, as well as patients' self-reports. Methods used for treatment of external head and neck lymphedema were used to indirectly treat I-HNL. SLPs rarely assessed or treated I-HNL. The qualitative analyses of the two open-ended questions identified four final themes: Lack of awareness, tricky location, methods and guidelines, and multidisciplinary collaboration. This study highlights the need for professional development as well as more research on assessment and treatment methods for I-HNL. Rehabilitation related to I-HNL in Sweden could benefit from combining knowledge and experiences across professions.}},
  author       = {{Sjögren, Karin and Mikoczy Nilsson, Thérèse and Grenner, Emily and Sjövall, Johanna and Ekvall Hansson, Eva}},
  issn         = {{1365-2354}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{07}},
  number       = {{1}},
  publisher    = {{John Wiley & Sons Inc.}},
  series       = {{European Journal of Cancer Care}},
  title        = {{Assessment and treatment of internal head and neck lymphedema in Sweden – a cross-sectional survey of practice}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.48130/ejcc-0026-0005}},
  doi          = {{10.48130/ejcc-0026-0005}},
  volume       = {{2026}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}