The lived experience of persons with lower extremity amputation

Abstract

Health professionals need to acknowledge the real needs of people with lower extremity amputation and provide them a clear explanation regarding the short-term and long-term health issues associated with amputation during the pre- and post-amputation phase. Health professionals also need to expand the scope of services beyond a physical and prosthetic focus. Supportive psychological and social interventions such as formal support groups and peer support programmes may provide a powerful and inexpensive addition to routine care. Currently, such programmes are unavailable in Taiwan.