Exploring the perspectives of prosthetic and orthotic users: past and present experiences and insights for the future

The aim of this work was to qualitatively explore the personal perspectives of prosthetic and orthotic users, in the context of their past and present experiences and understand their insights for the future.

A narrative exploration study design, employing a phenomenological approach was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three female and two male prosthetic and orthotic users from Australia and the United Kingdom. Interviews were analysed, coded and key themes and sub-themes identified.

Three themes were identified. The Maximising Opportunity theme linked sub-themes of recreation and pushing boundaries. The Health Care Network theme included sub-themes of communication, peer support and building a team. The final theme, Changes over time, included sub-themes of disability perception, advice and advancements over time.

Prosthetic and orthotic users identified that there had been vast changes in disability perception, disability rights, and their role in the health care system, along with the variety of technology and materials available. Key findings were that prosthetic and orthotic users want to be listened to, considered central to the health care team, and had a deep understanding of their own health care needs.Implications for rehabilitationProsthesis and orthosis users want to be listened to and considered central within the health care team.Attending medical and allied health teams must recognise that prosthesis and orthosis users have a fundamental understanding of their own health care needs.Themes, whilst potentially generalisable, are derived from specific individuals and may particularly relate to these individuals.