Abstract

FREDERIKS, Jerome P  and  VISAGIE, Surona. The rehabilitation programme and functional outcomes of persons with lower limb amputations at a primary level rehabilitation centre. S. Afr. j. occup. ther. [online]. 2013, vol.43, n.3, pp.18-28. ISSN 2310-3833.

The study aimed at evaluating the rehabilitation programme offered to clients who had undergone a lower limb amputation at an outpatient rehabilitation centre and to determine the functional outcomes of the clients who participated in the programme. Amputations have a severe physical, psychological and socio- economic impact. Effective rehabilitation can assist the individual in dealing with these. A quantitative, descriptive design was implemented in the study. Thirty clients with lower limb amputations who received rehabilitation and the two therapists working at the centre participated in the study. A questionnaire based on the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health, folder audit form and interviews were used for data collection. No programme vision, mission or objectives for the programme could be identified. Rehabilitation focussed on impairment. The impact of prosthetic rehabilitation on outdoor activities requiring mobility was statistically significant, with p values ranging from 0.00069 to 0.037.'Lack of indoor mobility training' significantly decreased participants ability to lift and carry objects (p 0.011), stand up (p = 0.042), get around inside the house (p = 0.00023), pick up objects from the floor (p = 0.00068), get up from the floor (p = 0.0072), get out of the house (p = 0.0016) and move around in the yard (0.0013). The 'Failure to address community mobility" had a statistically significant negative impact on all aspects of community mobility scores except transfers and driving. Recommendations include that a service vision and objectives be developed. In addition services should be evaluated and monitored on an ongoing basis and mentorship provided to therapists.

Keywords : Lower limb amputation; rehabilitation; programme evaluation and prosthetic training.

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