Barriers and facilitators of receiving prosthetic services in people with lower limb amputation during Covid-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in a developing country

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigated the barriers, challenges, and facilitators in receiving prosthetic services in people with lower limb amputation during Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: In this qualitative study, we conducted in-depth semistructured face-to-face interviews with individuals with lower limb amputation who needed prosthetic services during Covid-19 pandemic. We discussed about challenges and barriers that the participants had encountered during this period. The collected data were analyzed using a conceptual framework. Results: Six broad themes of availability, accessibility, acceptability, affordability, accommodation, and awareness emerged from the analysis. Staff shortage, lack of remote services, accommodation, insurance and governmental support, and cost of services were the main concerns. Moreover, long waiting lists, postponed referrals, noncompliance with Covid-19 protocols and preventive measures, and lockdowns were the other important concerns that were noted. In addition, unsatisfactory services in hometown, distance to capital, transportation permit in lockdowns, traffic jam, and public transport problems were other reasons of service not being accessible. The positive aspects were the facilitators such as having home visits, social work and charity, and using private drive services. Conclusion: It seems that after the beginning of Covid-19 pandemic, people with lower limb amputation have faced more drastic challenges in accessing and receiving prosthetic services than in the prepandemic situations.