Taylor, Teri (2020) A qualitative pilot study exploring reasons for prosthetic preference in a veteran amputee population. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. pp. 1-12. ISSN 1759-779X

PDF 12891.pdf - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 9 June 2021. Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (289kB) | Request a copy

Search Google Scholar

Abstract

Background/Aims For people with transfemoral amputations, newer technology, microprocessor-controlled prosthetic limbs, offer a level of performance that exceeds that of older, non-microprocessor controlled limbs. They are often requested by members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces who have been discharged from service (veterans) during applications for replacement limbs. However, as microprocessor-controlled prosthetic limbs cost far exceeds that of non-microprocessor controlled limbs, justification for their provision is essential to ensure that they are seen as value for money for the NHS in the UK. To date, literature focuses on measures of objective performance when demonstrating the value of one limb over another, but it ignores individual lifestyles within this process. This project aims to explore the reasons underpinning individual requests for specific types of prosthetic lower limb in a population of veterans with amputations. Methods This pilot study explored secondary data, consisting of patient statements, from the evaluation process associated with applications for new microprocessor-controlled prosthetic limbs. The data referred to a sample population of non-serving veterans with amputations who attended a veteran prosthetic centre for the ongoing maintenance and replacement of their prosthetic limbs (n=15). Results Findings from the study suggest an interconnection between function, psychology and emotional context. Individual statements demonstrate that, while functional performance influences choice, it is the application of function to life and lifestyle that underpins the meaning of improvements in performance for the individual. Conclusions Further research investigating the meaning of limb performance to the life of an individual is essential to facilitate effective prescription of limbs that meet individual need, and ensuring accurate distribution of what are currently limited funds.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/doi/abs/10.12968/ijtr.2019.0134
Divisions:	Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing > School of Nursing and Health Sciences
SWORD Depositor:	Publication Router
Depositing User:	Publication Router
Date Deposited:	20 Jan 2021 16:09
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2021 10:30
URI:	http://sure.sunderland.ac.uk/id/eprint/12891

Actions (login required)

View Item

Downloads