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Lower-limb amputee needs assessment using multistakeholder focus-group approach.
Glenn K Klute1, Carole Kantor, Chris Darrouzet
1Center of Excellence for Limb Loss Prevention and Prosthetic Engineering, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA. gklute@u.washington.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|August 14, 2009
Summary
Lower-limb amputees need improved prosthetic devices and better understanding of recovery. Focus groups revealed no major differences in needs between diabetic and traumatic amputees, highlighting areas for future research and development.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lower-limb amputation presents significant challenges for individuals, impacting mobility and quality of life.
- Understanding the specific needs of amputees is crucial for developing effective prosthetic solutions and support systems.
- Existing research may not fully capture the nuanced requirements of diverse amputee populations, including those with diabetes and traumatic injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively assess the needs of lower-limb amputees.
- To identify any distinct needs between diabetic dysvascular amputees and traumatic amputees.
- To gather insights for improving prosthetic devices and patient care.
Main Methods:
- A multistakeholder focus-group workshop was conducted, involving veteran lower-limb amputees, clinicians, researchers, and prosthetic device manufacturers.
- A two-phase approach (Discovery and Codesign) was employed, utilizing homogeneous and heterogeneous group sessions.
- Methods included observation, discussion, and collaborative problem-solving to elicit and refine participant needs.
Main Results:
- Participants identified key needs for prosthetic improvements, focusing on socket systems, foot and ankle components, and residual limb alignment.
- A need for enhanced education and communication regarding the recovery path post-amputation was highlighted.
- The study found no significant dichotomy in needs between diabetic dysvascular and traumatic amputees among the workshop participants.
- Interest in remote monitoring systems for improved quality of care was expressed.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully identified specific areas for improvement in prosthetic technology and amputee care pathways.
- Enhanced communication and education are vital for supporting amputees through their recovery journey.
- Future research and development should focus on the identified needs to improve the quality of life for all lower-limb amputees, irrespective of the cause of amputation.
