Peer visitation for the preoperative amputee patient.

The emotional adjustment to an amputation is sometimes the most challenging part. It is difficult for nurses and health care professionals to educate preoperative amputee patients because they have not shared the same experiences. Peer visitation of the preoperative amputee patient allows the patient to speak directly with another amputee who has shared a similar experience, which enables the patient to share feelings and concerns about the loss of a limb. This article will discuss the development of a peer visitation program for the preoperative amputee patient.