Psychosocial Issues Following Upper Extremity Amputation By Brandi

Psychosocial Issues Following Upper Extremity Amputation By Brandi Schexnayder & Kimberly Lark

Upper Extremity Amputation Levels

Physical Effects of Amputation O Alteration in ability to perceive, grasp, and manipulate objects. O Effects ability to engage physically in social interaction and utilize hands for communication. O Phantom limb sensation and pain following amputation

Emotional Effects of Amputations O Common emotions include: v Anger v Guilt v Denial v Hopelessness v Bitter v Revulsion v Depression

Psychosocial Implications of Amputation O The loss of a limb effects the body scheme, self esteem, and perception of self. O The initial response to amputation involves shock and disbelief which may be projected onto therapist in the form of negativity. O Bilateral amputation involves the feelings of helplessness O Grieving is a natural component of amputation.

Effects of UE amputations on occupations O Amputation affects the patient’s: v Competence-finances, driving, and shopping v Satisfaction-life roles v Maintenance of self, family, and home v Self enhancement-engaging in leisure and community activities. v Self advancement-work

OT Findings O The literature indicates that introducing patients to other individuals with similar amputations facilitates better outcomes and motivation is key in 1947, Kessler declared, “ in the upper extremity the prosthesis meets its greatest challenge. Here the lost function can only be imitated…we must fit the prosthesis not only to the patient’s limb but to his whole personality.

OT Interventions O Encourage the client to engage in support groups. O Establishing support groups in local community to address mental concerns, coping strategies, and support. O Establish strong family support system by encouraging participation at therapy/support group sessions and increase patient motivation and competence for completing everyday activities.

Implications for OT practice O 62. 4% of patients claim depression following initial hand injury and 58% of individuals qualify for major depression 18 months after injury therefore (University of Washington Orthotic and Prosthetic Senior): v Upper extremity amputation can have profound psychosocial effects on individuals increasing the value of OT. v OTs should not neglect to evaluate the psychosocial component of amputees.

Resources of Amputees O www. dailystrength. org/amputee- an online support group for amputees all over. O Orthotics and Prosthetics Humanitarian Database-Logs humanitarian efforts regarding amputees globally. O Arnold Frank Foundation World Limb Bank -Web based structure for communication between suppliers and users of donated prosthetics.

Resources of Amputees Cont’d O Barr Foundation Amputee Assistance fund-Pays for fittings and materials of a new prosthesis after need has been established and no other funding sources are available. O Bowman Sicillano Limb Bank- Resource for prosthetics for those in need-seeks to fulfill a need for third world countries and areas lacking availability.

Resources of Amputees Cont’d O Challenged Athletes Foundation- Raise money to help individuals with disabilities pursue an active lifestyle through physical fitness and sports. O www. empoweringamputees. org- Provides peer mentorship, resources for education, and community resources.

Resources for Amputees Cont’d O www. amputeecoalition. org-an all encompassing resource for information, legislation, activities, and events.

www. amputeecoalition. org O Amputee Coalition’s Paddy Rossbach Youth Camp is a five day experience offered free of charge for children ages 10 -17 with congenital or traumatic limb amputations. O Amputee Coalition Travel Adventures. Cruises and trips all over the world are offered throughout the year. O April is limb loss awareness month

Amputeecoalition. org O Limb loss education days are low cost events hosted throughout the country designed to provide patient education and recreation at a very low cost. Information is available through amputee coalition. O Resources provided for advocacy awareness including how to become involved in grassroots movements federally and in each state.

www. amputeecoalition. org O Resources for travel and health concerns and pain management. O Research study results and those studies seeking participants O Scholarships: v Kate Spozio Scholarship-sponsor conference attendance and lodging v Christina Skoski, M. D. Scholarship- provide $1000 to an undergraduate student with congenital limb difference or amputation. v Scott Decker M. D. Scholarship- Amputees of all ages will be eligible to recieve $1000 to attend or return to college.

References O Radomski, M. T. (2012). Occupational Therapy for Physical Dysfunction. Philadelphia: Lipencott Williams & Williams. O University of Washington Prosthetic and Orthotic Senior. Depression after Amputation: Prevalence and Risk factors A literature Review. University of Washington.