Ethnodrama: An innovative knowledge translation tool in the management of lymphedema.

Abstract

102 Background: Lymphedema can cause significant physical impairment and quality-of-life issues. Yet there is a gap in knowledge about lymphedema among breast cancer survivors (BCS), and health care professionals (HCP). Ethnodrama is an innovative knowledge translation strategy that uses theatrical performances for dissemination of research results. We evaluated the impact of live ethnodrama on HCP’ and BCS' awareness and attitudes in relation to impact of lymphedema on BCS’ lives. Methods: Ethnodrama performances were developed by script writers and a theatre director in collaboration with the investigators and BCS using data from published research and pre-performances workshops. The 25- minute performance follows a readers’ theatre model. Six interactive live performances were given to audiences of BCS, HCP, and community members in four cities across Canada. After watching these live performances, the audiences were asked to complete a survey regarding their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward lymphedema. Results: Of 238 survey participants, 55 (23%) were BCS and 85 (37.5%) were HCP. The mean age was 46±15 years & M:F was 1:4.8. Most members rated the performances as very effective in changing their (84%) or other people's (93%) understanding of lymphedema. Only 2.7% of respondents judged the performances as not effective at all in changing their understanding of lymphedema. Following the performances about 87% of respondents (95% HCP vs. 86.2% BCS, p = 0.10) reported being moderately to extremely motivated to seek additional information on lymphedema; 76% BCS reported interest in discussing arm morbidity issues with their HCP & 72% HCP anticipated changes in their practices related to arm morbidities screening. Overall no significant differences were noted in responses to ethnodrama between BCS and HCP. Open-ended responses were supportive of the findings from the closed-ended questions. One of the performances (The New Normal: Living with Lymphedema) is available on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewEVF6CcTlEKYlLNcc8FWQ . Conclusions: Our results indicate that ethnodrama performances effectively convey information and positively affecting changes in HCP’ and BCS’ attitudes toward lymphedema.