Culturally Sensitive Care in Amputations: Recognition and Strategies

The dignified disposal of limbs post-amputation is important to many cultural groups but is often not addressed. There is limited understanding from physicians and surgeons around the disposal process and its impact on patients, their beliefs, and their experiences within the health care system. In this overview, cultural and spiritual perspectives are reviewed and coupled with recommendations regarding the disposal and reclamation process. The current handling and management process of amputated parts is centered around hospital priorities. The beliefs and wishes of patients are not routinely considered, nor are the barriers to this adequately discussed. These implications affect groups with spiritual or cultural preferences that do not align with hospital standards, further exacerbating health inequity. This review provides information for health care providers surrounding the disposal of amputated parts to provide culturally sensitive and dignified approaches to patient care.