Care Priorities for Individuals with Lower Extremity Amputations: A Patient Delphi Study

Abstract

Objective To gather preliminary evidence on short- and long-term care priorities for people with lower extremity amputations. Design A three-round modified Delphi study using semi-structured interviews. Participants A convenience sample of 20 adult participants who had undergone lower extremity amputations at a tertiary public hospital. Main Measure 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. Results 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. Conclusions 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.