[Optimising rehabilitative care for people with major amputation - a qualitative study]

This project explored the experiences of people before, during and after lower limb amputation within the health care process by means of a qualitative study. Structured interviews were analysed by way of content analysis to describe the needs of amputees in professionally empowering their self care competences and their health care situation. According to the statements of amputees, they need a continuous and steady health care process to live mobile and independent lives. To realise this need, a permanent health care manager and enduring skills training to cope with the activities of daily living is necessary. Amputees often feel lonely. This study's results form the basis of a new multidisciplinary, client oriented rehabilitation concept.