Lymphedema Survey FAQs address common inquiries about the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey Battery (LSID), a validated self-report tool for assessing lymphedema severity and distress in Arms, Head & Neck, Lower Limbs, and Truncal regions. Developed by Vanderbilt University, these surveys support researchers and clinicians in advancing lymphedema management and patient care. Below, find answers to guide your use of the LSID for academic, non-profit, or commercial purposes. For further assistance, visit our Contact Us page.
Who developed the LSID surveys?
The Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey Battery was created by Sheila H. Ridner, PhD, RN, and developed and tested by a team of Vanderbilt University School of Nursing faculty and research staff. Their expertise ensures reliable, validated assessments for lymphedema research and clinical applications.
What makes the LSID surveys unique compared to other lymphedema tools?
The LSID surveys stand out for their rigorous development and ease of use, offering:
- Extensive testing in targeted lymphedema patient populations for Arms, Head & Neck, Lower Limbs, and Truncal regions.
- Psychometrically robust questions to ensure reliable, accurate data.
- Simple administration and scoring for efficient research and clinical use.
Are there peer-reviewed publications supporting the LSID surveys?
Yes, the LSID surveys are supported by multiple peer-reviewed publications, ensuring their scientific validity. Include the following citations in any reports or publications using the surveys:
- Arm v2.0: Ridner SH, Dietrich MS. Development and validation of the Lymphedema Symptom and Intensity Survey-Arm. Support Care Cancer. 2015 Oct;23(10):3103-12. PMID: 25752884.
- Lower Limb v1.0: Ridner SH, Doersam JK, Stolldorf DP, Dietrich MS. Development and Validation of the Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Survey-Lower Limb. Lymphat Res Biol. 2018 Dec;16(6):538-546. PMID: 30359205.
- Truncal v1.0 and Head & Neck v2.0: Ridner SH, Deng J, Doersam JK, Dietrich MS. Lymphedema Symptom Intensity and Distress Surveys-Truncal and Head and Neck, Version 2.0. Lymphat Res Biol. 2021 Jun;19(3):240-248. PMID: 33181059.
Additional publications are available via PubMed or by contacting us on our Contact Us page.
How do the LSID surveys work?
The LSID surveys are designed for easy patient use to assess lymphedema severity and distress:
- Patients answer yes/no to indicate if they are experiencing a symptom.
- For each “yes,” patients rate the symptom’s intensity and distress on a scale from 1 (slight) to 5 (severe).
- Surveys are tailored for Arms, Head & Neck, Lower Limbs, and Truncal regions, ensuring precise data collection.