Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore how individuals experience and perceive the use of
assistive technologies following lower limb loss.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional
qualitative interview design. PATIENTS: Thirty individuals with lower limb
amputation were recruited from a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programme (26
males and 4 females); comprising individuals with above-knee (n = 16), below-knee
(n = 12) and bilateral (n = 2) amputations. Patients were at least 15 months
post-rehabilitation, at least 18 years old and spoke English. METHODS:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone or in person. Interview
data were inductively thematically analysed by a researcher who had no previous
contact with participants. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: "It didn't
feel part of me" - Heightened awareness and experiences of distance from
prostheses following lower limb loss; "Depending on others is really tough" -
Independence through assistive technologies; and "I feel confident with this leg"
- The value of prosthesis use following amputation. CONCLUSION: The findings
demonstrate that individuals with lower limb loss perceive and experience
assistive technologies to have uses in ways beyond their potential for functional
restoration. They may also attribute meanings and values relating to such
technologies that may influence their use. Ascertaining and being aware of
individuals' experien-ces and perceptions of assistive technologies is important
for lower limb loss rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS