P6 An IPA exploration of shared understanding between patient and prosthetist following limb loss

Background Loss of limb presents a significant, life changing, circumstance for individuals. The prosthetist, in a role of facilitating rehabilitation, is essential to positive adjustment post-amputation. As yet, however, commonalities and differences in the understandings of each of these parties of the experience of limb loss, prosthesis use and rehabilitation remain widely unexamined. This comparison provides the focus for this study. Aim To explore areas of shared and discrepant understanding of the experience of limb loss and prosthesis use from the patient and practitioner perspective. Method: 15 post-amputation individuals and 13 prosthetists were interviewed on their perceptions of limb loss and prosthesis use. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) in order to gain an understanding of the subjective experiences of post-amputation individuals and of prosthetists of the post-amputation process. Results Analysis led to identification of four key themes: „Personal Identity, Social Identity, The Prosthesis and Communication. These themes were relevant for both groups. The’meanings that they held for the two groups, however, differed in relation to key elements of the post-amputation experience. Conclusions Both groups have a shared interest in the process of prosthetic limb fitting and rehabilitation and yet come from very differing perspectives. The fitting and use of a prosthetic device is not a simple, technical process but rather involves a combination of psychological, social and practical components all of which must be recognized in the rehabilitation process. The differing expectations and understandings held by both groups become especially evident in interactions between individuals with limb loss and prosthetists. Communications between members of these groups can provide a central point for addressing differences in their understandings of living with limb loss and might provide a focus for further developments in research and practice.