The Use of Groups in the Rehabilitation of Amputees

Abstract

There is a complex interplay between physical and emotional factors in the rahabilitative process after amputation of a limb. Although this is recognized by those working in the field of rehabilitation medicine, an overview of the literature indicates that there is comparatively little psychosocial research, education, and innovative programming. The authors have initiated such a program and have incorporated it into the routine of an inpatient amputee unit. The approach involves the utilization of basic techniques of supportive group therapy in the discussion of recurrent themes which have emerged as major concerns among amputees. Experiences amputees help new patients to anticipate potentially stressful situations, thus encouraging increased reliance. Having professionals present allows for the clarifying of medical and/or technical issues and the group setting provides a relaxes atmosphere conducive to educative discussion of physical and psychosocial concerns.

Psychosocial adjustment to lower-limb amputation: A review

“…20,22,41 In one qualitative study, for example, participants remarked that other people often appeared embarrassed upon realizing that they had an amputation. 22 In support of Dunn's 35 assertion that non-disabled individuals are likely to over-emphasize the role of the disability in the individual's life, Furst and Humphrey also found that individuals naı¨ve with respect to an amputation rated people with amputations as being highly misfortunate compared to themselves, while individuals with an amputation rated themselves as being only marginally less fortunate after their amputation than before.…”

Quality of medical care provided to service members with combat-related limb amputations: Report of patient satisfaction

“…* One study that investigated the importance of peer visitation found the visitations to have even greater impact than education [14], while others researchers indicated that peer groups enabled patients to better cope with depression, fear, and helplessness [15][16]. In contrast, other programs attempted to balance professional therapy with peer therapy and found a coordinated multidisciplinary approach to be most effective [17][18]. The outcomes of this study will be used to promote performance improvement and quality of care for the service members who receive care at the WRAMC Amputee Clinic and to shed greater light on how peer groups, counseling, and daily rehabilitation improve patient outcomes.…”

An Amputee Support Group

“…A trained representative of MAAF visited the new amputee patients shortly after surgery. As with other patients, ours felt that meeting someone who is a successful amputee had been most helpful (Rogers et al, 1978;MacBride et al, 1980).…”

“…Much of the discussion emphasized practical issues, such as mobility, finances, and vocational aspects, rather than "intrapsychiatric" dimensions. This was found to be true in other amputee groups (How ard, 1983;Rogers et al, 1978). These are real, pragmatic concerns.…”