Noting that satisfaction is a psychological construct that includes mental, physical, and social components, researchers conducted a study to characterize the relationship between prosthetic device and service satisfaction, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and functional movement in lower-limb prosthesis users.
The researchers conducted an online survey among individuals with unilateral or bilateral lower-limb amputations between September and October 2021. The researchers used path analysis for sample validated questionnaires assessing demographic and clinical features, satisfaction, functional outcomes, and quality of life. A total of 1,736 individuals between 19 and 80 years old participated.
Overall, 44 percent reported dissatisfaction with their prosthetic devices, and 37 percent were dissatisfied with their prosthetic service.
Low-functional mobility was reported by 58 percent of the participants, and 61 percent reported low HRQOL. Functional status, HRQOL, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale, and a modified fall efficacy scale were significantly associated with prosthetic device satisfaction. Satisfaction with provider service was significantly associated with functional status and balance confidence.
Civilians, veterans, and servicemembers reported low functional mobility, low quality of life, and moderate levels of dissatisfaction with their prosthetic device and provider service, the study found, while improvements in mobility, balance, quality of life, and fall efficacy could enhance device satisfaction. Functional mobility and balance improvements may increase ratings of provider service, the study found.
