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Research Article

Quality of life following non-dysvascular lower limb amputation is contextualized through occupations: a qualitative study

Stephanie R. Ciminoa Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaCorrespondence[email protected]
ORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-4744-5520View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Sander L. Hitziga Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;b St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada;c Department of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9139-9250View further author information
ORCID Icon,
Vera Fungb St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, CanadaView further author information
,
Katie N. Daintyd North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada;e Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaView further author information
,
Crystal MacKayf Westpark Health Care Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada;g Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaView further author information
,
Joanna E. M. Salee Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;h St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;i Department of Surgery, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaView further author information
,
Amanda L. Mayob St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada;j Department of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaView further author information
&
Sara J. T. Guilchera Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;b St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada;e Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;g Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada;k Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaORCID Iconhttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-9552-9139View further author information
ORCID Icon show all
Received 06 Apr 2023, Accepted 07 Sep 2023, Published online: 21 Sep 2023
 
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Abstract

Purpose

To understand how persons with non-dysvascular lower limb amputation (LLA) use occupations to contextualize their quality of life (QoL).

Methods

A qualitative study using an interpretative description approach was conducted. Analysis of the interviews was guided by an occupational perspective, which considers the day-to-day activities that are important to an individual.

Results

Twenty adults with an adult-acquired non-dysvascular amputation (e.g., trauma, cancer or infection) were interviewed. Following thematic analysis, two main themes were developed: (1) sense of self expressed through occupations; and (2) sense of belonging with others influenced by occupations. Participants expressed the way they felt about themselves through their activities and placed high value on whether they could participate in certain occupations. Participants also described how their sense of belonging was changed through the context of their changing occupations.

Conclusion

The findings from this work can be leveraged by clinicians and researchers alike to improve care for this population. Rehabilitation programs should consider interventions and programming that help to restore occupations or develop new ones given the importance placed on occupations by persons with non-dysvascular LLA.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

  • Quality of life is affected following non-dysvascular lower limb amputation due to physical, mental and psychosocial changes.

  • Occupations (or day-to-day activities) are important components of quality of life for persons with lower limb amputation.

  • Rehabilitation professionals should take into account the influence that occupations have on how persons with lower limb amputation perceive themselves when developing interventions and programming for this population.

  • The influence occupations have on sense of belonging should also be considered by rehabilitation professionals when developing these interventions and programs for persons with non-dysvascular lower limb amputation.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Ms. Vera Fung was supported by Practice-Based Research and Innovation Internship - Sunnybrook Research Institute.

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