Article

PURPOSE: To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic
rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation. METHOD: Qualitative
study using semi structured interviews. SETTING: Interviews were conducted at two
district general hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients who had undergone a
major lower limb amputation due to vascular insufficiency were interviewed within
two weeks of their amputation. All patients had been referred for prosthetic
rehabilitation. RESULTS: Five key themes emerged from the interviews:
uncertainty, expectations in relation to the rehabilitation service, personal
challenges, the prosthesis and returning to normality. These findings illustrate
how participants faced uncertainty both pre- and postoperatively and often looked
towards established amputees for the provision of accurate information.
CONCLUSIONS: As no previous research has specifically explored patients'
expectations following an amputation, this study adds valuable insight into the
patient experience. Patient expectations following lower limb amputation appeared
to be vague and uninformed which may lead to uncertainty and passivity. It was
found that patients did not know what to expect in relation to the rehabilitation
process. They expected to return to a normal life following an amputation and
this expectation appeared to be an important coping mechanism. Patient
information and discussions should form an important part of the rehabilitation
process before as well as during prosthetic rehabilitation, to help shape
realistic expectations. This will allow patients to take a more active, informed
role in the process. Psychoeducation interventions (talking) appears to be as
important as "walking" within prosthetic rehabilitation services.

Langue : ANGLAIS