Article

This study investigated long-term use of custom-made orthopedic shoes (OS) at 1.5
years follow-up. In addition, the association between short-term outcomes and
long-term use was studied. Patients from a previously published study who did use
their first-ever pair of OS 3 months after delivery received another
questionnaire after 1.5 years. Patients with different pathologies were included
in the study (n = 269, response = 86%). Mean age was 63 +/- 14 years, and 38%
were male. After 1.5 years, 87% of the patients still used their OS (78%
frequently [4-7 days/week] and 90% occasionally [1-3 days/week]) and 13% of the
patients had ceased using their OS. Patients who were using their OS frequently
after 1.5 years had significantly higher scores for 8 of 10 short-term usability
outcomes (p-values ranged from <0.001 to 0.046). The largest differences between
users and nonusers were found for scores on the short-term outcomes of OS fit and
communication with the medical specialist and shoe technician (effect size range
= 0.16 to 0.46). We conclude that patients with worse short-term usability
outcomes for their OS are more likely to use their OS only occasionally or not at
all at long-term follow-up.

Langue : ANGLAIS