Article

Amputation of lower limb results in limitations in mobility which are
amenable to multiple rehabilitation interventions.
The challenges faced by the
persons with lower limb amputation vary internationally. The International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health provides a common language
to describe the function of persons with lower limb amputation across various
countries. This article reports the concepts in mobility important to
persons with lower limb amputation across six countries using the International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative
study using focus groups and individual interviews. METHODS: Focus groups and
individual interviews of persons with lower limb amputation were organised across
six countries to identify the issues faced by patients with an amputation during
and after their amputation, subsequent rehabilitation and on an ongoing basis in
their daily life. Meaningful concepts were extracted from the responses and
linked to suitable second-level and where applicable third-level International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories. International
Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categorical frequencies were
analysed to represent the prevalence and spread of International Classification
of Functioning, Disability and Health categories by location. RESULTS: A total of
133 patients were interviewed.
A large percentage (93%) of the identified
concepts could be matched to International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health categories for quantitative analysis. CONCLUSION: The
important concepts in mobility were similar across different countries. The
comprehensiveness of International Classification of Functioning, Disability and
Health as a classification system for human function and its universality across
the globe is demonstrated by the large proportion of the concepts contained in
the interviews from across the study centres that could be matched to
International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health categories.
Clinical relevance The activity and participation restrictions faced by a person
with lower limb amputation vary internationally and are amenable to multiple
rehabilitation interventions.
The International Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health may provide a common language to report and quantify the
various concepts important to the patient in their rehabilitation journey.

Langue : ANGLAIS