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Updated: Sep 12, 2025
A Structured Rehabilitation Protocol for Improved Multifunctional Prosthetic Control: A Case Study
Published on: November 6, 2015
From playgrounds to rehabilitation centers: A qualitative study of the lived experience of children with an
Tahani Al-Okaliy1, Hala Obeidat2, Haytham Al-Oran3
1Msc, Department of Child Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mu'tah University, Al-Karak, Jordan; Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist - Al-Basheer Hospital, Amman, Jordan.
Purpose:
To explore the lived experiences and identify the challenges faced by children with traumatic and congenital amputations in Jordan.
Design And Methods:
A descriptive phenomenological design was employed. A purposive sample of children who received assistance with prosthetic devices at two primary referral rehabilitation centers in Amman, Jordan, was recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from 20 children aged 8 to 18, after which data saturation was achieved. Colaizzi's method was used for qualitative data analysis.
Results:
Five key themes emerged from the analysis, capturing the essence of the lived experiences of children with traumatic and congenital amputations in Jordan: 1) Children's understanding of their limb loss, 2) Like other children, they would like to 'live' school, 3) Psychosocial suffering and emotional responses, 4) Children coping following amputation, and 5) External barriers: No one is incapable, but society hinders them.
Conclusion:
While children with amputations showed remarkable resilience and a strong desire to lead everyday lives, they are impacted by psychological distress, educational barriers, and societal exclusions.
Practical Implications:
Multidisciplinary healthcare providers in rehabilitation centers should promote psychological support, facilitate school reintegration, engage families, and advocate for inclusive, stigma-free environments to support children's adaptation and well-being.
