Addressing Phantom Pain Through Occupational Participation: A Qualitative Study of Support Group Participants

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Science
• Occupational Therapy
• Pain Management

Background:

• Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common and often debilitating condition following lower limb amputation (LLA).
• Adaptation to LLA and PLP significantly impacts an individual's ability to participate in daily life and meaningful occupations.
• Understanding the lived experiences of LLA survivors is crucial for developing effective support strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the adaptation process of individuals with LLA experiencing PLP.
• To identify factors that facilitate or hinder occupational participation despite PLP.
• To understand the role of support groups in the adaptation journey of LLA survivors.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive phenomenological design.
• Semi-structured interviews with ten adult participants with LLA and PLP.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcriptions to identify emergent themes.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: PLP interrupts but does not prevent participation, adaptation to PLP enables continued engagement in meaningful occupations, and education promotes self-management of PLP.
• Social support and early education are vital for facilitating adaptation and occupational participation.
• Empowering survivors in self-management of pain is a significant finding.

Conclusions:

• The adaptation process for LLA survivors with PLP is multifaceted, involving personal coping strategies and external support.
• Occupational participation can be maintained through adaptive strategies and effective pain self-management.
• Interventions should focus on providing early education and fostering social support to enhance the quality of life for LLA survivors experiencing PLP.