Development and acceptability testing of decision trees for self-management of prosthetic socket fit in adults with lower limb amputation

Abstract

Purpose: The most common complaint lower limb prosthesis users report is inadequacy of a proper socket fit. Adjustments to the residual limb–socket interface can be made by the prosthesis user without consultation of a clinician in many scenarios through skilled self-management. Decision trees guide prosthesis wearers through the self-management process, empowering them to rectify fit issues, or referring them to a clinician when necessary. This study examines the development and acceptability testing of patient-centered decision trees for lower limb prosthesis users.

Methods: Decision trees underwent a four-stage process: literature review and expert consultation, designing, two-rounds of expert panel review and revisions, and target audience testing.

Results: Fifteen lower limb prosthesis users (average age 61 years) reviewed the decision trees and completed an acceptability questionnaire. Participants reported agreement of 80% or above in five of the eight questions related to acceptability of the decision trees. Disagreement was related to the level of experience of the respondent.

Conclusions: Decision trees were found to be easy to use, illustrate correct solutions to common issues, and have terminology consistent with that of a new prosthesis user. Some users with greater than 1.5 years of experience would not use the decision trees based on their own self-management skills.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Discomfort of the residual limb-prosthetic socket interface is the most common reason for clinician visits.

• Prosthesis users can use decision trees to guide them through the process of obtaining a proper socket fit independently.

• Newer users may benefit from using the decision trees more than experienced users.

Keywords:

• Amputee
• education
• prosthesis
• decision tree
• self-management

Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the University of Hartford'apos;s Prosthetics & Orthotics (MSPO) and Physical Therapy (DPT) students who participated in designing and testing the decision trees. We would also like to acknowledge Hanger Clinic and New England Orthotic and Prosthetic Systems (NEOPS) for their support.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.