Highlights
- •Thirteen upper limb amputees, who had received an aesthetic prosthesis, were interviewed.
- •Individual variations concerning the experienced emotional consequences were identified.
- •Adaptation strategies and the role of the prosthesis were described.
Abstract
Study Design
Qualitative study.
Introduction
An amputation injury to the hand may lead to not only impaired hand function but also
psychosocial consequences.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study was to explore personal experiences of social participation
for persons provided with an esthetic prosthesis after acquired upper limb amputation.
Methods
Thirteen persons with acquired upper limb amputation, who were in need of and had
received an esthetic prosthesis, were interviewed. The transcribed text was subjected
to content analysis.
Results
The emotional reactions to a visibly different hand were linked to a changed appearance
and a feeling of being exposed. Recollecting the accident could result in nightmares
and sleeping disorders. A change of personality, due to sadness after the amputation
was expressed, as well as social insecurity and impact on relations and life roles.
Adapting to social challenges comprised hiding or exposing the hand, using personal
internal resources and receiving support from others. The esthetic prosthesis contributed
to an intact appearance and could serve as a facilitator for initial or long-term
social participation. The time that had passed since the injury made it easier to
deal with the consequences or in achieving acceptance.
Discussion
Coping with emotions and social relations after an acquired amputation can be difficult
and complex.
Conclusions
Individual needs must be considered and questions about appearance and how it may
affect social participation must be asked. An esthetic prosthesis can normalize the
appearance and offer the confidence needed to facilitate social participation in those
struggling with appearance-related concerns.
Keywords
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JHT Read for Credit
Quiz: # 716
Record your answers on the Return Answer Form found on the tear-out coupon at the back of this issue or to complete online and use a credit card, go to JHTReadforCredit.com. There is only one best answer for each question.
- # 1.The study design is
- a.RCTs
- b.qualitative
- c.case series
- d.single case report
- a.
- # 2.Data were gathered using
- a.chart reviews
- b.videography
- c.outcome surveys
- d.semi-structured interviews
- a.
- # 3.The data collection was performed by
- a.a committee of 10 and included therapists and surgeons
- b.3 therapists
- c.the lead author
- d.a committee of 5 and included social workers and psychologists
- a.
- # 4.Participants completed the
- a.DASH
- b.Short Form 36
- c.MHISS
- d.Mayo Clinic Prosthetic Survey
- a.
- # 5.Some, but not all, participants felt an aesthetic prosthesis was of significant benefit in social situations
- a.true
- b.false
- a.
When submitting to the HTCC for re-certification, please batch your JHT RFC certificates in groups of 3 or more to get full credit.
Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 09, 2019
Accepted:
March 20,
2019
Received in revised form:
March 18,
2019
Received:
March 14,
2018
Footnotes
This study was supported by grants from the Healthcare Academy at Skane University Hospital.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 Hanley & Belfus, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
