Abstract summary 

To gather preliminary evidence on short- and long-term care priorities for people with lower extremity amputations.A three-round modified Delphi study using semi-structured interviews.A convenience sample of 20 adult participants who had undergone lower extremity amputations at a tertiary public hospital.Consensus on each care priority was defined a priori as an agreement of more than 50%. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand the rationales for endorsing the care priorities.Consensus was reached on 24 short-term care priorities and 12 long-term care priorities in the biomedical, practical and psychological and spiritual domains. The rationales for endorsing each of the care priorities generated three themes: preparedness; mental health, psychological and spiritual well-being; and participating in life, with respect and dignity.Our results highlight the substantial need to improve patient access to education and planning support prior to undergoing limb amputation, and optimising post-amputation rehabilitation programmes, enabling people with amputations to participate in meaningful life roles that provide them with purpose, dignity, and self-respect. The knowledge of care priorities revealed in this study may promote effective patient-centred care and improve clinical outcomes.

Authors & Co-authors:  Limakatso K K Lebiletsa T T Smeets R J E M RJEM Parker R R

Study Outcome 

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