Experiences and needs of patients with lower limb amputation in Saudi Arabia: a qualitative study

Aim: The study was performed in order to identify how the post-traumatic amputation of the lower extremity affects the mental health of the individuals. Methods: This study is a qualitative study. A total of 12 individuals with post-traumatic lower extremity amputation were interviewed. The data were collected using the personal information form and the interview form that includes the questions on the effect of amputation on mental health, which were designated by the researchers. Data obtained from the survey were evaluated to attain descriptive situation determination. Based on the analysis, the effects of post-traumatic lower extremity amputation on mental health were found 5 themes. Results: In the study, it was found that individuals with post-traumatic lower limb amputation changed their emotions and behaviors after amputation, their body image and self-esteem were negatively affected, their families and the society differentiated themselves, they had negative feelings about their future, and they needed mental support to develop coping skills. Conclusion: The study shows that after amputation, individuals have severe mental problems such as anger, introversion, helplessness, and decreased self-esteem. Negative attitude of their families, who are expected to be supportive during this period, negatively affect the adaptation process of the individuals. A notable point is that the individuals stated that they could talk and feel relieved and get supported if they had access to a mental health professional.

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Suitability of ‘Guidelines for Screening of Prosthetic Candidates: Lower Limb’ for the Eastern Cape, South Africa: A qualitative study

South African Journal of Physiotherapy ◽

10.4102/sajp.v74i1.396 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 74 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Luphiwo L. Mduzana ◽

Surona Visagie ◽

Gubela Mji

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Resistance To Change ◽

Occupational Therapists ◽

Functional Mobility ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Western Cape ◽

Eastern Cape ◽

Group Discussions

Background: Major lower limb amputation has a severe impact on functional mobility. Mobility can be salvaged with a prosthesis, but this is not always the best option. It is often difficult to decide whether to refer someone for a prosthesis or not. A prosthetic screening tool ‘Guidelines for Screening of Prosthetic Candidates: Lower Limb’ was developed and is used for prosthetic prescription in parts of the Western Cape province of South Africa.Objectives: This study aimed to explore the suitability of the tool ‘Guidelines for Screening of Prosthetic Candidates: Lower Limb’ for use in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.Method: A qualitative study was conducted with conveniently sampled occupational therapists (OTs) (n = 10), physiotherapists (PTs) (n = 12) and prosthetists (n = 6) in government employment in the Buffalo City Metro Municipality. Participants were trained in the use of the tool and used it for four weeks with patients. Their experiences of the tool were assessed through three focus group discussions with emergent themes being identified during inductive data analysis.Findings: Participants indicated that the tool could assist with prosthetic prescription, goal setting, communication and teamwork. They thought that the tool was multidisciplinary in nature, comprehensive and practical. Findings showed a lack of teamwork in this study setting. Resistance to change and a lack of time might also hamper implementation of the tool.Conclusion: The tool can assist with managing the backlog for prostheses and to guide prosthetic prescription in the Eastern Cape province.Clinical implications: A prosthesis can help to salvage functional mobility after lower limb amputation. However, not all people who had above knee amputation manage to walk with a prosthesis. The tool reported on in this article provides information that can guide prosthetic prescription and rehabilitation goals.

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The perception of trauma patients from social support in adjustment to lower-limb amputation: A qualitative study

Indian Journal of Palliative Care ◽

10.4103/0973-1075.138401 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 229 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Behrouz Dadkhah ◽

Eissa Mohammadi ◽

Hadi Hassankhani ◽

Sousan Valizadeh

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Trauma Patients

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Exploring patients’ experiences of analgesia after major lower limb amputation: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054618 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (12) ◽

pp. e054618

Author(s):

Sarah Milosevic ◽

Heather Strange ◽

Melanie Morgan ◽

Graeme K Ambler ◽

David C Bosanquet ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pain Management ◽

Postoperative Pain ◽

Pain Relief ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Lower Limb ◽

Lower Limb Amputation ◽

Feasibility Trial ◽

Limb Amputation ◽

Face To Face ◽

Randomised Controlled

ObjectivesTo explore patient experiences, understanding and perceptions of analgesia following major lower limb amputation.DesignQualitative interview study, conducted as part of a randomised controlled feasibility trial.SettingParticipants were recruited from two general hospitals in South Wales.ParticipantsInterview participants were patients enrolled in PLACEMENT (Perineural Local Anaesthetic Catheter aftEr Major lowEr limb amputatioN Trial): a randomised controlled feasibility trial comparing the use of perineural catheter (PNC) versus standard care for postoperative pain relief following major lower limb amputation. PLACEMENT participants who completed 5-day postoperative follow-up, were able and willing to participate in a face-to-face interview, and had consented to be contacted, were eligible to take part in the qualitative study. A total of 20 interviews were conducted with 14 participants: 10 male and 4 female.MethodsSemi-structured, face-to-face interviews were conducted with participants over two time points: (1) up to 1 month and (2) at least 6 months following amputation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach.ResultsInterviews revealed unanticipated benefits of PNC usage for postoperative pain relief. Participants valued the localised and continuous nature of this mode of analgesia in comparison to opioids. Concerns about opioid dependence and side effects of pain relief medication were raised by participants in both treatment groups, with some reporting trying to limit their intake of analgesics.ConclusionsFindings suggest routine placement of a PNC following major lower limb amputation could reduce postoperative pain, particularly for patient groups at risk of postoperative delirium. This method of analgesic delivery also has the potential to reduce preoperative anxiety, alleviate the burden of pain management and minimise opioid use. Future research could further examine the comparison between patient-controlled analgesia and continuous analgesia in relation to patient anxiety and satisfaction with pain management.Trial registration numberISRCTN: 85710690; EudraCT: 2016-003544-37.

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