Lower Limb Prosthetic Rehabilitation in Canada: A Survey Study

This study describes prosthetic rehabilitation services provided to individuals who have had a lower limb amputation in Canada. This cross-sectional survey study used an online survey to collect data from facilities that provide lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation; it included questions about approaches and types of service, therapies, focus of service, and health care providers. One representative from each facility was asked to complete the survey. Of the 65 identified eligible facilities, 59 completed the survey (response rate = 90.8%). The majority of facilities (n = 39; 66.1%) indicated that they provided both in-patient and outpatient prosthetic rehabilitation services. All facilities provided balance, coordination, and gait training as well as prosthetic fit education. Most facilities indicated that they had a physical therapist (n = 58; 93.8%), an occupational therapist (n = 52; 88.1%), and a prosthetist (n = 52; 88.1%) on their team. The majority of the facilities surveyed provided both in-patient and outpatient services and had specialized health care provider teams. Future surveys are required to collect more specific information about prosthetic rehabilitation in Canada.