Transfemoral amputees' experiences of the first meeting and subsequent interactions with hospital staff.

PURPOSE

To describe, by use of a phenomenological approach, how transfemoral amputees experience their first meeting and subsequent interaction with hospital staff in the acute phase, in the long term and suggestions for future care-giving.

METHOD

Eleven transfemoral amputees, median age 33.5 years, were interviewed. The amputations, performed in median 7.5 years before the interview, were caused by tumour, motorcycle accidents or work-related traumas. The participants were community dwelling and managed well indoors. All, except one, worked or studied full time. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed verbatim.

RESULTS

Three themes emerged: (i) Communication/information - limitations in preparing the patient for the new situation, (ii) empathy and emotional support, and (iii) ability to meet the need of individually tailored rehabilitation. For future care-giving three categories emerged: (i) Individually tailored communication/information, (ii) rehabilitation to be prepared to adapt to one's new situation, and (iii) support in regaining control.

CONCLUSION

The participants expressed a need for both professional and emotional support in the acute phase. Over time they preferred a patient-centred approach which improved coping skills and facilitated their own ability to gain control. Increased awareness of how meeting and interacting with hospital staff influences rehabilitation processes may further improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.