Dunne, Simon and Coffey, Laura and Gallagher, Pamela and Desmond, Deirdre and Ryall, Nicola
(2015)
Beyond function: using assistive technologies following lower limb loss.
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 47.
pp. 561-568.
ISSN 1650-1977
Abstract
Objective: To explore how individuals experience and perceive
the use of assistive technologies following lower limb
loss.
Design: Cross-sectional qualitative interview design.
Patients: Thirty individuals with lower limb amputation
were recruited from a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programme
(26 males and 4 females); comprising individuals
with above-knee (n = 16), below-knee (n = 12) and bilateral
(n = 2) amputations. Patients were at least 15 months postrehabilitation,
at least 18 years old and spoke English.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted via
telephone or in person. Interview data were inductively thematically
analysed by a researcher who had no previous contact
with participants.
Results: Three key themes were identified: “It didn’t feel part
of me” – Heightened awareness and experiences of distance
from prostheses following lower limb loss; “Depending on
others is really tough” – Independence through assistive technologies;
and “I feel confident with this leg” – The value of
prosthesis use following amputation.
Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that individuals with
lower limb loss perceive and experience assistive technologies
to have uses in ways beyond their potential for functional
restoration. They may also attribute meanings and
values relating to such technologies that may influence their
use. Ascertaining and being aware of individuals’ experiences
and perceptions of assistive technologies is important for
lower limb loss rehabilitation.
| Item Type: |
Article
|
| Additional Information: |
This is the post print version of the published article. The definitive version of this article is available at DOI: 10.2340/16501977-1962 |
| Keywords: |
lower limb; amputation; assistive technology; qualitative;
independence; embodiment; |
| Academic Unit: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering > Psychology |
| Item ID: |
6164 |
| Identification Number: |
https://doi.org/10.2340/16501977-1962 |
| Depositing User: |
Dr. Deirdre Desmond
|
| Date Deposited: |
29 May 2015 15:15 |
| Journal or Publication Title: |
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine |
| Publisher: |
Foundation for Rehabilitation Medicine |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| URI: |
|
| Use Licence: |
This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available
here |
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