Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine functional performance, participation and autonomy after
discharge from prosthetic rehabilitation and to identify the barriers and
facilitators affecting these outcomes. DESIGN: Concurrent mixed-methods design.
Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at discharge from
rehabilitation, and 3 and 6 months later. The data were integrated during
analysis. SUBJECTS: Thirteen patients with a unilateral lower limb amputation
participating for the first time in prosthetic rehabilitation in a Dutch
rehabilitation centre. METHODS: Functional performance was measured using the
Two-Minute Walk Test and L test, and participation and autonomy using the Impact
on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire. Barriers and facilitators were
identified in semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: After discharge, 9 out of 13
patients declined in functional performance. The principal problems in
participation were observed in the "autonomy outdoors" and "family role" domains.
Many factors affected functioning and participation and many differences were
observed in the way that factors acted as barriers or facilitators for individual
patients. No time patterns were found for barriers and facilitators. CONCLUSION:
Post-discharge, distinctive fluctuations were observed in functional performance
and participation and autonomy in patients with lower limb amputation. It is
recommended that patients are educated about these fluctuations and the barriers
and facilitators identified in the environmental, personal and medical contexts.

Langue : ANGLAIS