title: Expectations of rehabilitation following lower limb amputation: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the expectations of patients about to undergo prosthetic rehabilitation following a lower limb amputation.
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using semi structured interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Interviews were conducted at two district general hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients who had undergone a major lower limb amputation due to vascular insufficiency were interviewed within two weeks of their amputation. All patients had been referred for prosthetic rehabilitation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five key themes emerged from the interviews: uncertainty, expectations in relation to the rehabilitation service, personal challenges, the prosthesis and returning to normality. These findings illustrate how participants faced uncertainty both pre- and postoperatively and often looked towards established amputees for the provision of accurate information.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As no previous research has specifically explored patients' expectations following an amputation, this study adds valuable insight into the patient experience. Patient expectations following lower limb amputation appeared to be vague and uninformed which may lead to uncertainty and passivity. It was found that patients did not know what to expect in relation to the rehabilitation process. They expected to return to a normal life following an amputation and this expectation appeared to be an important coping mechanism. Patient information and discussions should form an important part of the rehabilitation process before as well as during prosthetic rehabilitation, to help shape realistic expectations. This will allow patients to take a more active, informed role in the process. Psychoeducation interventions (talking) appears to be as important as "walking" within prosthetic rehabilitation services.
authors.affiliation: Portsmouth Disablement Services Centre, Solent NHS Trust , Portsmouth , UK .
authors.forename: Chantel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ostler
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellis-Hill
authors.forename: Maggie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donovan-Hall
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001186:Artificial Limbs; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D017755:Prosthesis Fitting / Q000379:methods; D036301:Qualitative Research; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012649:Self Concept; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Amputation; expectations; lower limb