CHECKLIST USE FOR ASSESSMENT OF SATISFACTION WITH TRANS-TIBIAL PROSTHESES

OBJECTIVE: To assess satisfaction of prosthesis users with their prostheses, and the problems they experience with the residual limb, using a checklist, in order to evaluate potential benefits of checklist use and to summarize issues and problems with the prosthesis and/or residual limb presented by prosthesis users. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Participants were adult trans-tibial prosthesis users (n = 82) and certified prosthetist orthotist (n = 19) experienced in fitting lower-limb prostheses. METHODS: Prosthesis users reported their reasons for consultation and factors concerning prosthesis (dis)satisfaction and residual limb problems, using a checklist. Checklist use was evaluated by certified prosthetist orthotists and prosthesis users and the significance of evaluation scores was determined. RESULTS: Checklist use identified 126 issues/problems, most of which concerned prosthesis fit (33%) and pressure points on the residual limb skin (26%). Evaluation scores were significantly higher than neutral regarding the checklist helping the certified prosthetist orthotist to gather more information and to make clear with which issues the prosthesis user was dissatisfied. Prosthesis users reported that checklist use made them feel more understood by the certified prosthetist orthotist. CONCLUSION: Checklist use in the assessment of trans-tibial prostheses is beneficial in identifying factors related to dissatisfaction, and improves the quality of certified prosthetist orthotists’ consultation. The implementation of checklist use is, however, challenging.