‘It’s . . . forward-focused’

Abstract

Background: Mobility clinics are designed to extend gait and mobility training beyond rehabilitation programmes. No research has been undertaken into participants’ experiences of attending these multidisciplinary, experience-based clinics. Research in this area is needed to ensure clinics meet intended goals, including understanding the motivation and experience of attendees. Insights may improve mobility clinics and inform strategies to encourage greater participation. Objectives: To explore the motivation of people with limb loss to attend a mobility clinic, the experience of participation and their perception of the clinic’s benefits. Study design: Qualitative methodology, naturalistic enquiry. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine clinic attendees during the clinic. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, data thematically analysed and emergent themes underwent member checking. Results: Three themes emerged from the data: facing the challenge captured how participants’ have adapted to amputation, valuing peers highlights the important role of peers in learning and support and improving mobility described the ongoing quest to improve mobility. Conclusion: The mobility clinic was attractive to those who liked challenges and was an invaluable source of learning for those wishing to improve their mobility. Future clinics should ensure that peer education is supported, and activities cater for a range of skills and fitness levels. Clinical relevance Findings of this study indicate that those who attended the mobility clinic liked to challenge themselves. Participation with peers was an important source of learning and support. Those participants who had previously attended a mobility clinic reported improvements in their overall daily function.

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

“…Effective wound care in primary care as part of continuity of care is therefore essential for patients' recovery physically and psycho-socially. Several recent qualitative studies explored issues related to patients' mobility and focussed on the perceptions of declined functionality and complicated prosthesis adjustment of people living with amputation (Norlyk et al, 2016;Anderson et al, 2019;Batten et al, 2019;Khan et al, 2019). These aspects emphasise the challenge and complexity of the rehabilitation phase of major DLEA after wound healing.…”

Peer Support for Individuals With Major Limb Loss: A Scoping Review

“… 21 – 23 Peer support involved individuals with amputation sharing their lived experiences, either one-on-one or between groups of individuals. 21 , 22 , 24 – 26 Observing peers further along in their amputation recovery was defined as a form of peer support. 21 Three articles indicated that peer support was an opportunity for amputees to educate each other on how to engage in activities of daily living.…”

“… 21 Three articles indicated that peer support was an opportunity for amputees to educate each other on how to engage in activities of daily living. 22 , 24 , 26 This included guidance on improving mobility and functionality, such as walking on uneven surfaces, moving through crowds and navigating stairs. 25 In addition, amputees were able to receive emotional and moral support from their peers by providing inspiration and encouragement.…”

“…Seven of these studies described programs implemented in community settings, including charities, organizations, and clinics. 21 , 22 , 24 , 27 – 30 Four studies described programs facilitated in rehabilitation settings. 25 , 31 - 33 While one study discussed peer support being implemented within a hospital and community setting.…”

Reflections and future directions for psychological science in Prosthetics and Orthotics International

“…Second, Dr Fishman articulated the need for the prothetist–orthotist to understand and relate to their patients. Anderson et al 44 used semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore motivations to attend, experiences of participation, and perceptions of benefits among people with limb loss attending a mobility clinic. Findings highlighted the importance of opportunities for peer learning and support, perceptions of challenge in adjustment, adaptation to amputation, and improving mobility.…”