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Staying "just normal": preservation strategies in prosthesis use
Philip Jefferies1, Pamela Gallagher2, Mark Philbin2
1a School of Psychology , University of the South Pacific , Suva , Fiji.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|March 21, 2018
Summary
Prosthesis users employ various strategies to manage daily challenges and maintain normalcy. Understanding these preservation tactics can improve support for individuals using artificial limbs.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Science
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Existing research on prosthesis use primarily focuses on limb loss and initial adaptation.
- A common concern for prosthesis users is managing daily life with artificial limbs to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature and management of threats faced by prosthesis users in their daily lives.
- To understand how individuals strive to remain "just normal" while using prosthetic devices.
Main Methods:
- Grounded Theory methodology was utilized for data collection and analysis.
- Data were gathered from 24 interviews, 17 weblogs, 17 autobiographies, and online discussion forums.
Main Results:
- Prosthesis users face numerous challenges and employ preservation strategies to maintain normalcy.
- Identified strategies include "black-spotting," "protective avoidance," "vigilant risk-reducing," "fail-safing," "conserving," and "sufficing."
- These strategies involve "playing it safe" and "resisting the recommended."
Conclusions:
- Prosthesis users actively manage threats related to the limitations of their devices.
- Knowledge of these threats and resolution strategies can empower current and new users.
- Findings can enhance rehabilitation consultations by addressing specific user threats and management strategies.