Exploring the patient experience and perspectives of taking part in outcome measurement during lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose Outcome measurement provides clinicians, services and funders with useful information. However, little is known about the experience of participating in outcome measurement during lower limb prosthetic rehabilitation from the patient’s perspective. Materials and methods Thirty-two participants who underwent lower limb amputation within 5 years, and had experience of taking part in outcome measurement during prosthetic rehabilitation, were recruited from UK limb fitting centers and social media. Data were collected using focus groups and interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified. (1) How does participating in outcome measurement make me feel? (2) Do the outcome measures used in routine clinical care capture an accurate picture of my recovery? (3) Who is outcome measurement for? and (4) are prosthetic services measuring what is meaningful? These themes suggest outcome measurement is not a neutral activity for patients following lower limb amputation. Conclusions Harnessing the positive impacts of measuring outcomes could be used for motivation, to support adjustment and recovery, to improve communication and to support shared decision-making. This could make outcome measurement more meaningful and patient-centered. However, there may be potential for patients to respond negatively to outcome measures and clinicians should consider their impact on psychosocial factors.