Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: A qualitative study

Authors: Ostler, C., Ellis-Hill, C. and Donovan-Hall, M.

Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation

Volume: 36

Issue: 14

Pages: 1169-1175

eISSN: 1464-5165

ISSN: 0963-8288

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.833311

Abstract:

Purpose: To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation. Method: Design: 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. © 2014 Informa UK Ltd.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22675/

Source: Scopus

Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study.

Authors: Ostler, C., Ellis-Hill, C. and Donovan-Hall, M.

Journal: Disabil Rehabil

Volume: 36

Issue: 14

Pages: 1169-1175

eISSN: 1464-5165

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.833311

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation. DESIGN: 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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22675/

Source: PubMed

Preferred by: Caroline Ellis-Hill

Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study

Authors: Ostler, C., Ellis-Hill, C. and Donovan-Hall, M.

Journal: DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION

Volume: 36

Issue: 14

Pages: 1169-1175

eISSN: 1464-5165

ISSN: 0963-8288

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.833311

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22675/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study.

Authors: Ostler, C., Ellis-Hill, C. and Donovan-Hall, M.

Journal: Disability and rehabilitation

Volume: 36

Issue: 14

Pages: 1169-1175

eISSN: 1464-5165

ISSN: 0963-8288

DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2013.833311

Abstract:

Purpose

To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation.

Method

Design

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.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22675/

Source: Europe PubMed Central

Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study.

Authors: Ostler, C., Ellis-Hill, C. and Donovan-Hall, M.

Journal: Disability & Rehabilitation

Volume: 36

Issue: 14

Pages: 1169-1175

ISSN: 0963-8288

Abstract:

To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/22675/

Source: BURO EPrints