Cardiac Science cardiac monitor ECG stress rehab defib AED

Amputee rehabilitation

Amputees
Also called: Limb loss
Amputees are people who have lost a limb or part of a limb. Your limbs are your arms and legs. Losing a limb or part of a limb can be the result of illness or injury. Some people lose limbs in accidents or during a war. In other cases, people lose limbs as the result of illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and vascular diseases. If a limb or part of a limb causes great pain or threatens your health, you may need an amputation - surgical removal.
Some amputees have phantom pain, which is the feeling of pain in the missing limb. Other problems that can occur include grief, surgical complications and skin problems, if you wear an artificial limb. Many amputees use an artificial limb. Learning how to use it takes time. Physical therapy can help you adapt.
Adapted from:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/amputees.html

Amputee Rehabilitation Program (Mount Wilga Hospital)
The loss of a limb is an extremely traumatic experience, but our well structured program will help you to return to a normal lifestyle. The amputee program provides comprehensive treatment following your surgery, until the fitting of your final prosthesis.
Learning to walk on an artificial limb can be a strange experience at first, but most people can become an able walker. Although the artificial limb can be uncomfortable in the beginning, it is rarely painful
Your program is managed by a team of health professionals:
Rehabilitation Specialist
Rehabilitation Nurses
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Dietitian
Prosthetist
Social Worker
Psychologist
Your rehabilitation teams meets regularly to review your progress and goals. You are part of the team and will be encouraged to participate in all aspects of your rehabilitation program.
PhysiotherapyYour physiotherapy program will be coordinated by a physiotherapist with training and interest in amputees and prosthetics and includes:
preparing your stump for your prosthesis. This includes learning how to apply an elastic bandage which will help shape the stump.
exercises and gym work to help strengthen muscles and improve balance
gait retraining
a ward exercise program which may include lying on your stomach twice a day.
Occupational TherapyYour Occupational Therapy program will assist you to regain your former level of independence and quality of life. Your Occupational Therapy program will involve practising normal every day activities. These can include:
personal care activities
household tasks
energy conservation techniques
return to work and/or leisure assistance
return to driving
Your occupational therapist will also assist you in the use of aids to help you maintain your independence and may visit your home prior to discharge to ensure a safe environment for you.
Nursing StaffYour nurses will encourage and assist you to achieve your optimal level of independence. They provide 24 hour care and supervision and will help you with your daily ward activities. Daily wound assessment and monitoring is essential and your nurse will work with you to ensure your stump is healing well and is ready for your prosthesis.
Your nurses continually liaise with your therapists to ensure continuity of your rehabilitation care and are always available to answer questions about your rehabilitation program, your medical care or other health concerns.
Medical ServicesYour rehabilitation program is directed by a Rehabilitation Specialist. He/she has the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating your medical and rehabilitation care. The Rehabilitation Specialist will liaise with your referring doctor, General Practitioner and other specialists to ensure proper continuity of medical care.
ProsthetistWhen your stump is fully healed and the swelling has diminished, the Rehabilitation Specialist will prescribe an appropriate prosthesis for you and will refer you to a prosthetist. The prosthetist will cast and fit your prosthesis and ensure its correct alignment and stability.
DischargeYou will be discharged when you reach your potential after your interim prosthesis is fitted or you no longer require nursing care. If you require support at home, such as Meals on Wheels or Community Nursing this will be arranged prior to your discharge.
We will continue to monitor you until your final prosthesis has been fitted and adjusted. This may be through a day rehabilitation program or outpatient services. This will be discussed with you and your family to allow you to plan accordingly.
Adapted: http://www.ramsayhealth.com.au/mwp/services/programs3.asp

Answer the following WH questions about the article “Amputee rehabilitation program” and give complete answers.

Where does the program belong?

Who are health professionals’ members?

Who has the responsibility to monitor and evaluate the medical and rehabilitation care?

Why does the patient need to exercise?

What does the prosthetist do?

Advanced Physical Therapy