Patient education after amputation: systematic review and experts' opinions

To perform a systematic review of the literature regarding amputee self-care, and analyze current experts' opinions.

The research in Medline and Cochrane Library databases was performed using the keywords "amputee self-care", "amputee health care", "amputee education", and "amputee health management". The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using four levels of evidence and three guideline grades (A: strong; B: moderate; C: poor).

One prospective randomized controlled study confirm the level of evidence of self-care amputee persons with grade B, which is similar others chronic diseases self-care. Self-care of amputee persons contributes to improve functional status, depressive syndrome, and also health-related quality of life. A review of the patients' needs and expectations in self-care amputee persons has been established thanks to the presence of qualitative focus group study.

A multidisciplinary self-care of amputee persons can be recommended. Regarding literature date, the level of evidence of self-care amputee persons is moderate (grade B). Experts groups are currently working on a self-care amputee persons guideline book in order to standardize practicing and programs in the physical medicine and rehabilitation departments.