Construction and validation of an algorithm to prevent and treat upper extremity lymphedema

Abstract Introduction: Some health professionals have difficulty treating and preventing upper extremity lymphedema (UEL), demonstrating the need for evidence-based educational technology, such as algorithms. These algorithms should be simple, clear and direct, providing a comprehensive portrait of the care process. Objective: Construct and validate an algorithm to prevent and treat upper extremity lymphedema Method: In order to construct the algorithm, an integrative literature review was conducted in the Health Sciences, SciELO, LILACS and MEDLINE databases. The algorithm was evaluated by 27 physiotherapists and validated using the Delphi method. Statistical analysis was carried out using the content validity index (CVI). Results: In the first assessment, the judges classified the algorithm as “Inadequate” or “Adequate”; following corrections made according to their suggestions, the algorithm was reassessed as “Adequate” or “Completely adequate”. The content validity index was 0.95 at the former and 1.0 at the latter. Conclusion: Following an integrative literature review, an algorithm to treat and prevent upper extremity lymphedema was constructed and validated by experienced professionals, exhibiting interrater agreement in the second assessment.

引言：部分卫生专业人员在治疗与预防上肢淋巴水肿（upper extremity lymphedema, UEL）时存在技术难点，凸显了对循证教育技术（如算法）的需求。此类算法应简洁明了、直截了当，全面呈现护理流程全貌。
研究目的：构建并验证一款用于预防和治疗上肢淋巴水肿的算法。
研究方法：为构建该算法，本研究在健康科学、SciELO、LILACS及MEDLINE数据库中开展了整合性文献综述。该算法由27名物理治疗师进行评估，并采用德尔菲法（Delphi method）完成验证。统计分析采用内容效度指数（Content Validity Index, CVI）。
研究结果：首轮评估中，评审将该算法评为“不合格”或“合格”；根据评审建议完成修正后，该算法再次接受评估，评级为“合格”或“完全合格”。首轮评估的内容效度指数为0.95，经修正后的复评内容效度指数为1.0。
研究结论：本研究通过整合性文献综述构建了一款用于治疗和预防上肢淋巴水肿的算法，并经资深专业人员验证，在第二轮评估中展现出良好的评定者间一致性。