title: Patient safety in the rehabilitation of the adult with an amputation.
abstract: This article reviews and summarizes the literature on patient safety issues in the rehabilitation of adults with an amputation. Safety issues in the following areas are discussed; the prosthesis, falls, wound care, pain, and treatment of complex patients. Specific recommendations for further research and implementation strategies to prevent injury and improve safety are also provided. Communication between interdisciplinary team members and patient and caregiver education are crucial to executing a safe treatment plan. The multidisciplinary rehabilitation team members should feel comfortable discussing safety issues with patients and be able to recommend preventive approaches to patients as appropriate.
authors.affiliation: HSR&D RR&D Center of Excellence, James A Haley Veterans Hospital, 8900 Grand Oak Circle, Tampa, FL 33637, USA. Gail.Latlief@va.gov
authors.forename: Gail
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Latlief
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Elnitsky
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hart-Hughes
authors.forename: Samuel L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Phillips
authors.forename: Laurel
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Adams-Koss
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kent
authors.forename: M Jason
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Highsmith
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control; D000328:Adult; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs / Q000009:adverse effects; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D007866:Leg; D055805:Moving and Lifting Patients / Q000009:adverse effects; D059408:Pain Management; D061214:Patient Safety; D004856:Postural Balance; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy