Article

This study compared the outcomes of an interim mechanical prosthesis program for
lower limb amputees operated under a public and private model of service. Over a
two-year period, 60 transtibial amputees were fitted with an interim prosthesis
as part of their early amputee care. Thirty-four patients received early amputee
care under a public model of service, whereby a prosthetist was employed to
provide the interim mechanical prosthesis service. The remaining 26 patients
received early amputee care under a private model of service, where an external
company was contracted to provide the interim mechanical prosthesis service. The
results suggested comparable clinical outcomes between the two patient groups.
However, the public model appeared to be less expensive with the average labour
cost per patient being 29.0% lower compared with the private model. The results
suggest that a public model of service may provide a more comprehensive and less
expensive interim prosthesis program for lower limb amputees.

Langue : ANGLAIS