Prostheses, Equipment, Adapted Performance

Abstract

As a member of the rehabilitation team with direct responsibility for a treatment program for the person with amputation(s), the occupational therapist has marked influence on the patient's adjustment to his disability. In addition, the occupational therapist can influence a patient's choices regarding use of adaptations or substitutions achieved by prostheses, equipment or body motion alone. The author, working in a comprehensive rehabilitation center, The Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, where many amputees of all stages are treated, will outline basic principles in treatment planning for the person with amputation(s). In addition, treatment choices will be examined with the discussion focusing on different levels of amputations, and differing physical and psychological needs of the adult and child. Suggestions are offered for approaches to using protheses, equipment, or adapted performance in training persons with amputations. The author also explores why rejection of an upper limb prosthesis or equipment might not signify treatment failure. Therapists have responsibility for introducing all options for daily function to the patient and family as part of the occupational therapy treatment program, but must remember that final decisions are made by patients.