Article

The aim of this study was to collect patients' and healthcare
professionals' opinions about lower limb orthoses (LL-orthoses): 1) the positive
and negative aspects; 2) the differences in wearing them according to location;
and 3) their recommendations for future modifications. METHODS: Four focus group
discussions were performed, with in total twenty patients with MS with a
prescribed LL-orthosis and seven healthcare professionals. Audiotaped discussions
were transcribed and qualitatively processed (NVivo11). RESULTS: Healthcare
professionals and patients state that a LL-orthosis improves gait and reduces the
risk of falling. Some negative aspects were indicated like stigmatization,
difficulties to put on and off the LL-orthosis and the aesthetic aspects. Several
patients mentioned that they did not get enough or no correct information about
the adaptability and use of the orthoses. Opinions regarding differences in
wearing according to location (e.g. in and outside the rehabilitation center)
were diverse. Recommendations for future changes were e.g. more refined and
firmer orthoses. CONCLUSIONS: The opinions collected are interesting for taking
into account in the process of construction and delivering of LL-orthoses. Future
research should focus on the opinions concerning different types of LL-orthosis
in relation with the severity of the limitations of the patients.

Langue : ANGLAIS