What is the cost, impact, and willingness to pay for an Amputee Peer Support Program?

Abstract

Background:The provision of peer support from those who have already made positive adjustments to amputation is recommended for people incurring a major limb amputation; however, few receive this service.Objective:From a program perspective, determine the cost, impact, and willingness to pay for an Amputee Peer Support Program.Study design:Cost analysis.Methods:Cost of the Amputee Peer Support Program included a cost analysis of program data over a 5-year time horizon (2013–2018) reported in Australian Dollars 2018/2019. Impact and willingness to pay for an Amputee Peer Support Program was determined through surveys of the 3 participant groups: referring health professionals, program volunteers, and program participants.Results:Over 5 years, there were 793 program participants, serviced by 256 program volunteers, for a cost of $631,497. The cost per program participant was $796. Thirty-eight health professionals, 86 program volunteers, and 12 program participants reported on impact and willingness to pay. The Program was reported to have a positive impact on all participant groups. The themes of access to resources and information and the provision of social and emotional well-being were identified across all 3 groups as being important. All 3 groups reported a higher willingness to pay for the health service (range $113–$450), National Disability Insurance Scheme ($156–$432), and private health insurance ($153–$347), and a lower willingness to pay for the program participant ($23–$49).Conclusion:Amputee peer support had a positive impact on those receiving and providing the service. Amputee peer support is likely to be a powerful yet inexpensive addition to routine care.

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

“…Four of the studies reported on the perceived benefit that peer support had an impact on self-management and well-being. 27 , 30 , 32 , 37 Participants reported that this type of social support boosted their self-esteem, confidence, 27 , 32 , 37 and self-efficacy. 30 In addition, this type of support group led to increased autonomy and well-being.…”

“…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.…”

“…Eight studies outlined structured delivery methods in which participants engaged in organized peer support sessions led by a peer volunteer, with or without prior training in delivering peer support. 21 , 24 , 27 – 30 , 34 , 35 Seven studies characterized informal delivery approaches, depicting them as a natural and chance encounter with another amputee, where the opportunity for knowledge and sharing of experiences could be exchanged. 24 , 25 , 31 – 34 , 36 …”