Highlights
- •This small qualitative study found that finger prostheses can make an important contribution in being able to act autonomously in everyday life. Over time, the need for, or type of digital prosthesis may change. These findings can help practitioners in advising clients regarding the most appropriate digital prosthetic to meet their needs.
Abstract
Study Design"
Qualitative research design using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to
interpret users’ experiences with digital prostheses.
Background
Digital prostheses are rarely used, and little is known about the experiences of traumatic
finger amputees with digital prostheses. When advising patients regarding digital
prostheses, it is crucial for professionals to understand users experiences of wearing
a digital prosthesis and the meaning attached to wearing a digital prosthesis.
Purpose of study
The aim of this study was to explore and understand users experiences of wearing a
digital prostheses in daily functioning.
Methods
Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, and transcribed. The
written interview texts were analysed following Interpretative phenomenological analysis
guidelines.
Results
Four participants were interviewed. They experienced the prostheses as valuable additions
to their daily functioning. Three different themes relating to wearing and using digital
prostheses emerged from in-depth analysis of the data: How the prosthesis supporting
them regaining a ‘grip’ on life, reduced overload on unaffected side and restored
body image.
Conclusions
This study provides a deeper understanding of the experiences of people with digital
amputations who use prostheses. Most importantly, that a prosthesis is of crucial
importance for participants to be able to act independently and autonomously as well
as to participate in family, work and social environments. This insight will help
practitioners when considering, with clients the most appropriate digital prosthesis
to meet their goals.
Keywords
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JHT Read for Credit
Quiz: # 848
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.case report
- c.qualitative
- d.case series
- a.
- # 2.The study focuses on
- a.user experiences
- b.clinical problems of single digit prosthetic use
- c.therapists’ impressions of patient experiences
- d.problems with proper fitting of single digit prosthetics
- a.
- # 3.Content material was gleaned through
- a.chart reviews
- b.therapist interviews
- c.literature searches
- d.patient interviews
- a.
- # 4.At the top of the list of patient concerns was
- a.fit and comfort of the prosthesis
- b.esthetics of the prosthesis
- c.utility of the prosthesis
- d.cost of the prosthesis
- a.
- # 5.Autonomy in daily life was voiced repeatedly
- a.not true
- b.true
- 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: February 25, 2022
Accepted:
January 21,
2022
Received in revised form:
November 27,
2021
Received:
December 16,
2020
Footnotes
Conflicts of interest: None.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
