THE BENEFITS OF EARLY RESOURCES ON OVERALL WELLNESS OF AN AMPUTEE
Date of Award
Summer 6-20-2023
Document Type
Non Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
The goal was to see what an amputee endures post-amputation and how we could improve amputees' overall wellness by preparing them with resources as soon as they get the diagnosis. In the first section, there is a literature review that shows what patients endure post-amputation and how they must grieve, set goals, and overcome challenges to keep progressing in recovery. However, the next section is steps for specific research to see how many amputees think there is a need for early resources. If they answered in a way that led to a yes in the one-to-one interviews, the conclusion is to implement the resources for practice. This would happen in a future research study and lead to a consistent database of information for amputees to have at the diagnosis so they can get more prepared for the event leading to a more successful recovery. Part of the lack of research is that some of the population had traumatic or congenital injuries and cannot prepare for an amputation like those who have amputations due to other comorbidities. Another issue is a lack of resources available for amputees' pre-amputation just because of the lack of resources in the field. Overall the sooner the new patient can get a care team to get a plan, the better results they will have.