The Trinity amputation and prosthesis experience scales and quality of life in people with lower-limb amputation

Abstract

Gallagher P, MacLachlan M. The Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales and quality of life in people with lower-limb amputation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85:730–6. Objectives To undertake preliminary research into quality of life (QOL) for a group of people with a lower-limb amputation and to investigate what aspects of the “prosthetic experience” are most strongly associated with QOL using the Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scales (TAPES). Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Prosthetic limb fitting center. Participants Sixty-three people older than 18 years with unilateral lower-limb amputation. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measures The TAPES and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire—Brief Version. Results There were no significant differences in any of the QOL domain scores (physical health, psychological, social relationships, environmental) arising from age, gender, level of amputation, or cause of amputation. However, there were significant differences depending on the length of time living with the prosthesis and the degree of prosthetic use. Stepwise regression identified different significant predictors for each domain of QOL. Conclusions These findings support the claim that the TAPES can be used to evaluate QOL for this patient group. Further research is warranted to learn how sensitive the scale and its items are to change in clinical status.