Abstract
Purpose: Undergoing an amputation is a life altering experience which can involve a protracted and intensive period of care from a range of healthcare professionals. Amputation care within the NHS has historically been criticised. Here we seek to understand how patients are experiencing care by exploring their stories and identifying features of both high- and low-quality care. Materials and Method: We analysed patient stories posted on the patient feedback site Care Opinion during the period 2018-2020 to examine how amputee patients (and their families) experience NHS care. Using thematic analysis, we identified four key themes. Results: We found that patients’ stories of undergoing an amputation as posted on Care Opinion give overwhelmingly positive feedback on their experiences. Patients report feeling well supported by empathetic staff, and that the outcomes, in terms of quality of life and restoration of mobility, are beneficial. Time was a common feature within the posts we examined and negative experiences of care often related to untimeliness in a variety of ways. Conclusions: Care Opinion provides a useful and accessible resource for understanding how patients experience amputation care; analysis of stories posted there provides preliminary ideas of the features of ‘good care’ from a patient-centred perspective.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Disability & Rehabilitation |
| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 29 Sept 2021 |
Keywords
- Amputation