Prosthetists' perceptions of information obtained from a lower limb prosthesis monitoring system: a pilot study

Prosthetists have limited knowledge of their patients' use of a prosthesis outside of the clinical environment. Prosthesis-mounted monitors can be used to directly measure patients' prosthesis use and activity. Prosthetists' opinions regarding potential clinical applications for sensor-based information may inform further development of this technology. A pilot study was conducted to assess prosthetists' perceptions of prosthesis use and activity information obtained by a monitoring system.

Three local prosthetists were recruited to participate in the study. One patient with transtibial amputation from each prosthetist volunteered to wear limb presence and activity monitors for two weeks. Collected data were used to determine prosthesis use and activity. Each prosthetist completed a survey, examined clinical reports of their patient's prosthesis use and activity, and participated in a semi-structured interview. Survey results and interview transcripts were analyzed to identify and compare prosthetists' perceptions.

Prosthesis use and activity varied among patients. Prosthetists over- and under-estimated patient activity, relative to measurements recorded by the monitors. All three prosthetists selected multiple clinical applications for the prosthesis use and activity information in the survey, and several additional applications were suggested during the interviews. When presented with multiple report formats, prosthetists found features of each to be clinically useful.

Prosthesis-mounted monitors may provide prosthetists with a better understanding of their patients' prosthesis use and activity. Information provided by the monitoring system may inform clinical decisions and promote evidence-based practices.