title: A Study of the Amputee Experience of Viewing Self in the Mirror.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the trajectory of viewing self in a mirror after an ampu-tation and participants' perceptions of what health care professionals should know about mirrors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hermeneutic phenomenologyMETHODS: Focus groups were conducted to collect the research data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mirror experience had three key moments: decision, seeing, and consent. The trajectory of viewing self in a mirror had four key themes: mirror shock, mirror anguish, recognizing self, and acceptance: a new normal. Participants' recommendations for introducing the mirror after an amputation and using a mirror to avoid skin breakdown and infection, and correct gait and balance are described.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides a unique viewpoint into the world of those who have suffered amputation of a limb.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rehabilitation nurses and other health care professionals are encouraged through these participants to consider the effect and value of mirrors when caring for those who have had an amputation.
authors.affiliation: 1 Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX, USA2 Education, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA3 Cancer Services, Memorial Hermann Health System, Houston, TX, USA4 Psychology and Philosophy, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, USA5 Amputee Clinic, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, USA6 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center-Medical School, Houston, TX, USA7 School of Occupational Therapy-Houston, College of Health Sciences, Texas Woman's University, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Wyona
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Freysteinson
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sebastian-Deutsch
authors.forename: Denika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Melton
authors.forename: Tania
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Celia
authors.forename: Kristin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bowyer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000674:Amputees / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001828:Body Image / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019145:Rehabilitation Nursing