The illusive phantom: does primary care meet patient need following limb loss?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that General Practitioners (GPs) vary in their understanding of phantom pain and associated factors in amputees. This has implications in that the GP's conception of the problem will determine what treatment or referral is offered.

The present study aimed to explore GP's knowledge and understanding of phantom limb pain using a postal questionnaire. A sample of 129 GPs responded resulting in a response rate of 38%.

The results suggest that GPs underestimate the prevalence, intensity and duration of phantom and residual limb pain. Moreover, inconsistencies in the reasons given for referral to specialist services for the management of phantom pain were reported.

These findings have serious implications for the management of phantom limb pain, disability and psychological distress in amputees in that GPs not only provide first line treatment, but are also the gatekeepers for referral to other services. Given this, the role of other professionals within the primary health care team may prove an additional resource for providing both support and accurate information to amputees in the community.