An exploratory phenomenological study exploring the experiences of people with systemic disease who have undergone lower limb amputation and its impact on their psychological well-being

Washington, Elaine Denise; Williams, Anita

doi:10.1177/0309364614556838

Cited by 28 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Regardless of etiology, a leg amputation is usually followed by major physical and psychosocial challenges that severely influence the person concerned (Murray & Forshaw, 2013;Norlyk, Martinsen, & Kjaer-Petersen, 2013;Ostler, Ellis-Hill, & Donovan-Hall, 2014;Washington & Williams, 2016). Reduced quality of life (Davidson, Khor, & Jones, 2010;Remes et al, 2010), significantly higher levels of social isolation, depression, and post-traumatic disorder (Horgan & MacLachlan, 2004;Remes et al, 2010) are reported particularly in the first year after the amputation (Phelps, Williams, Raichle, Turner, & Ehde, 2008).…”

Section: Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

Being In-Between

et al. 2016

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Many persons with leg amputations experience that using a prosthesis enriches their quality of life. However, there is an ongoing concern with underuse and non-use of artificial limbs in lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation. Studies have identified an initial critical stage among potential prosthetic users. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of becoming a prosthetic user as seen from the perspective of patients. The study is based on the phenomenological framework of Reflective Lifeworld Research (RLR). Data were collected through three in-depth interviews with each of the eight participants during the first year post-amputation. Data were analyzed according to the guidelines given in RLR. The findings showed that the participants found themselves in a state of in-between existence. They felt disconnected from their usual lives and not yet integrated in a new and different life. In this in-between existence, the participants oscillated between experiences of victory and defeat. The study adds to increased understanding of the initial critical stage of becoming a prosthetic user by showing that this in-between existence is inherent in the process of becoming a prosthetic user. To become a prosthetic user requires a high degree of stamina and resilience as this in-between existence takes its toll on patients' recovering process.

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Section: Articlementioning

confidence: 99%

Being In-Between

et al. 2016

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“…It is also common that patients experience emotional distress and require emotional support alongside the medical management of their DLEA (Horgan and MacLachlan, 2004;Liu et al, 2010;Senra et al, 2012;Dunne et al, 2014;Grech and Debono, 2014;Delea et al, 2015). In particular, major amputation is reported to compromise patients' body image and their relationships with others (Coffey et al, 2009;Norlyk et al, 2013;Holzer et al, 2014;McDonald et al, 2014;Siersma et al, 2014), while patients with minor amputation often require re-amputation due to wound-related complications, such as wound dehiscence and prolonged healing times (Pollard et al, 2006;Dudkiewicz et al, 2009;Kono and Muder, 2012;Vogel et al, 2014;Chan et al, 2019), which also affect the process of rehabilitation (Price et al, 2015). Post-amputation wound healing is generally challenging in the first 12 months after amputation, as wound healing rate is only achieved in less than half of the whole amputee population (Chan et al, 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Struggling for normality: experiences of patients with diabetic lower extremity amputations and post-amputation wounds in primary care

Zhu

Goh

Chew

et al. 2020

Prim Health Care Res Dev

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Aim: To explore the experiences of patients living with diabetic lower extremity amputation (DLEA) and its post-amputation wound in primary care. Background: DLEA, including both minor and major amputation, is a life-altering condition that brings numerous challenges to an individual’s life. Post-amputation physical wound healing is complicated and challenging because of wound dehiscence and prolonged healing times. Understanding patients’ experiences after DLEA with a post-amputation wound will enable healthcare professionals to develop interventions to assist patients in physical healing and psychosocial recovery. Methods: This study employs a qualitative design using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). A purposive maximum variation sample of nine patients who had had lower extremity amputations and post-amputation wound attributed to diabetes in the previous 12 months was recruited from a primary care setting in Singapore. Semi-structured audio recorded one-to-one interviews with a duration of 45–60 min each were conducted between September 2018 and January 2019. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using IPA. Findings: The essential meaning of the phenomenon ‘the lived experiences for patients with DLEA and post-amputated wound’ can be interpreted as ‘struggling for “normality”’ which encompasses four domains of sense making: physical loss disrupted normality, emotional impact aggravated the disrupted normality, social challenges further provoked the disrupted normality, and attempt to regain normality. The study highlights the complex physical and psychosocial transition facing patients after DLEA before post-amputation wound closure. In primary care, an amputation, whether minor or major, is a life-altering experience that requires physical healing, emotional recovery, and social adaptation to regain normality. Patients living with DLEA and a post-amputation wound may benefit from an interdisciplinary team care model to assist them with physical and psychosocial adjustment and resume normality.

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“…Efforts to implement routine screening for selected patients could decrease the rAAA mortality rate. Screening programs for AAA are used in several countries [2], selecting patients based on age, sex, or cardiovascular risk profile. However, screening is costly and typically requires separate hospital visits.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Digital Planimetry: Is it a Possible Standard Method for Evaluation and Measurement of Ulcer Healing?

Moreno¹,

Cotillas²,

Vera³

et al. 2019

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

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stented. In the SWEDEPAD 2 trial, the majority (91 %) is treated in the femoropopliteal segment and of these, 40 % are primarily stented. Conclusion-The SWEDEPAD trial is now halfway through the inclusion phase. No results are yet available. This trial explores the overall efficacy of drug-eluting technology in infrainguinal PAD interventions. The pragmatic clinical trial design, using a population-based registry with randomization functionality is a new and powerful tool for clinical vascular research.

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An exploratory phenomenological study exploring the experiences of people with systemic disease who have undergone lower limb amputation and its impact on their psychological well-being

Abstract: An understanding of how the experience of living with an amputation and a chronic condition may change over time will help clinicians to identify the ongoing need for counselling support.

Cited by 28 publications

References 28 publications

Being In-Between

Being In-Between

Struggling for normality: experiences of patients with diabetic lower extremity amputations and post-amputation wounds in primary care

Digital Planimetry: Is it a Possible Standard Method for Evaluation and Measurement of Ulcer Healing?

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