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OBJECTIVES: To determine the profile of diabetes patients with neuropathic and neuro-ischaemic lesions who are referred to the advanced practice nurse (APN) in complex chronic wounds; to determine whether a training strategy aimed at primary care nurses and nursing homes that care for patients with diabetic foot disease influences the performance of professionals; and to assess the extent, follow-up and evaluation of diabetic foot disease in patients with neuropathic ulcers and neuro-ischaemic ulcers referred to the specialist APN before and after the training. METHODS: The characteristics of patients referred to the APN over a period of 6.5 years were analysed, as well as the numbers of amputations and deaths pre- and post-training. RESULTS: of the total of 103 patients, 78 were men; across both sexes the average age was 69 years. Fifty patients had neuropathic ulcers and 53 had neuro-ischaemic ulcers, with healing rates of 59%. There were 50 amputations and 37 deaths over the study period. CONCLUSION: Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers depends on having in place a fast, agile, practical clinical pathway between primary care and hospital, with the role of the APN, including the co-ordination of care between primary and secondary settings, being key.

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ABSTRACT: There are over 185,000 amputations annually in the United States, and most of these patients will receive a short inpatient rehabilitation hospital stay as part of their recovery. Complications in care after amputation can negatively impact rehabilitation and subsequent disposition and community reintegration after discharge. The purpose of this article is to discuss the literature, significance, and practice recommendations for three specific challenges-skin integrity, postamputation pain, and falls. The focus population is rehabilitation patients who have undergone nontraumatic, lower limb amputation. Information about the incidence and risks of these complications give nurses necessary knowledge to improve care delivery, reduce suffering, and improve patient safety for postamputation patients during inpatient rehabilitation.

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BACKGROUND: Expert nurses must provide both physical and emotional care to patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) who require an amputation. This includes helping patients and families to cope with this situation, while ensuring the maximum level of comfort. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the perspective of expert nurses on the needs and hospital care of people requiring an amputation due to DFS. METHOD: This was a qualitative multicenter study involving 8 hospitals in Spain and Portugal. In-depth interviews with expert nurses were transcribed verbatim to enable content analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four expert nurses were interviewed about their knowledge and experience of treating patients with diabetic foot disease. Two themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) poor self-care and the disease trajectory, and (2) effective hospital care. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlight the key role that expert nurses play in the care of patients with DFS. Expert nurses considered that amputation leaves the individual physically and psychologically vulnerable, especially upon discharge from hospital. It is therefore essential to provide these patients with comprehensive and multidisciplinary care that includes emotional support.

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PURPOSE/AIMS: This study explored the feasibility of educating nurses on an emotionally sensitive topic using video. The aim was to educate nurses on how to assist individuals who have had an amputation of a limb in viewing themselves in the mirror. DESIGN: One-group repeated-measures design with 2 time points (pretest and posttest at 1 month). METHODS: Nurses viewed a video in which 8 amputee actors described how and why nurses should support individuals' viewing of self in the mirror following amputation. RESULTS: This video-based education was feasible, and recommendations were made for future research. Participants were engaged and shared insight into how this knowledge would change their nursing practice. CONCLUSIONS: A larger educational research study to test the effect of this education on improving nursing confidence and offering the mirror is recommended.

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A amputação é definida como a retirada, geralmente cirúrgica, total ou parcial de um membro do corpo. As amputações traumáticas correspondem a aproximadamente 20% das amputações de membros inferiores não eletivas, sendo a amputação no nível transtibial o tipo mais frequente. Estudos anteriores já demonstraram alterações na sensibilidade do coto de amputação e quadro de hipotrofia muscular causada pelo desuso, tendo como principal consequência a deficiência de força. Diante disso, é importante identificar a influência da amputação na propriocepção, força e distribuição de carga entre os membros de pacientes com amputação transtibial de etiologia traumática. Objetivo: Avaliar alterações na distribuição de carga, propriocepção e capacidade de produção de força muscular dos músculos do joelho em indivíduos usuários de prótese devido à amputação no nível transtibial de origem traumática. Métodos: Estudo transversal no qual participaram 16 voluntários amputados, protetizados há mais de um ano e 16 indivíduos não amputados, que compuseram o grupo-controle. Os grupos foram avaliados através dos questionários de Perfil de Atividade Humana e Escala de Tegner para avaliar o perfil de atividade física. Os pacientes foram também avaliados em relação à distribuição de carga entre os membros, propriocepção, através do senso de posição articular, e força isométrica, na flexão e extensão dos joelhos. Resultados: Este estudo demonstrou que o grupo de pacientes amputados apresenta maior debilidade física. Observou-se que o membro amputado recebe menos peso corporal, não possui deficiência na propriocepção e apresenta força da musculatura isquiotibial maior quando comparados com os demais grupos. Conclusão: A amputação não provoca deficiência na propriocepção, mas acarreta um quadro de limitação física. Apesar disso, os músculos isquiotibiais apresentam mais força quando comparados com os demais grupos avaliados, o que torna interessante o desenvolvimento de mais estudos sobre a influência da amputação na biomecânica do ser humano

Amputation is generally defined as the surgical, total or partial removal of a body member. Traumatic amputations account for about 20% of non-elective lower limb amputations, with amputation at the transtibial level being the most frequent type. Previous studies have already shown changes in sensitivity of the amputation stump and muscle hypotrophy caused by disuse, with the main consequence being the strength deficit. Therefore, it is important to gain further insight into influence of amputation on proprioception, strength and load distribution among members of the transtibial amputee of traumatic etiology. Objective: To evaluate changes in load distribution, proprioception and muscle strength production capacity of knee muscles in prosthesis users due to amputation at transtibial level of traumatic origin. Methods: The study included 16 amputee volunteers who had been prosthetized for more than one year, and 16 non-amputees, who comprised the control group. The groups were submitted to the Human Activity Profile (HAP) and Tegner Scale questionnaires to assess their physical activity profile in addition to tests who evaluated load distribution, proprioception, through the sense of articular position, and isometric force, in flexion and knee extension. Results: Our study showed that the amputee group is physically impaired. We also noted that amputated limb receives less body weight, has no proprioceptive deficit, and has greater hamstring muscle strength when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Amputation does not cause proprioceptive deficit but causes physical limitation. Nevertheless, the hamstring muscles are stronger when compared to the other groups evaluated which makes interesting the development of further studies on the influence of amputation on human physiology

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INTRODUCTION: Good nutritional care of people following major lower extremity amputation is essential as poor nutritional status can lead to delayed wound healing. Working with patients to identify their perspectives on food, views on nutritional care and the need for dietary counselling enables the development of optimised nutritional care. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore hospital patients' perspectives on food, dietary counselling and their experiences of nutritional care following lower extremity amputation. DESIGN: A qualitative, explorative study design was employed. METHOD: An inductive content analysis of semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 17 people over 50 years of age, who had recently undergone major lower extremity amputation, was undertaken. The study was reported according to the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guideline. FINDINGS: Three themes emerged: responsible for own dietary intake, diet based on preferences and experiences with dietary counselling and feeling overwhelmed. The participants expressed motivation to ensure their nutritional needs were met but described feeling emotionally overwhelmed by the experience of amputation. They appeared not to expect nursing staff to focus on nutritional issues as they expressed belief that they themselves were solely responsible for their dietary intake. They described being motivated to receive nutritional counselling but indicated advice should be compatible with their lifestyle and eating habits. CONCLUSION: Lower extremity amputation can be an overwhelming experience which affects nutritional intake. People appear to consider themselves responsible for their nutritional care and describe not experiencing or expecting nursing staff to engage in this aspect of care. Dietary counselling by nurses who respect and incorporate patient preferences and experiences following amputation has the potential to enhance nutritional care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study illustrates that nurses caring for people who undergo lower extremity amputation need to recognise that nutritional care is an essential component of nursing and should focus on working in partnership with the patient.

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This study investigates functional status on Day 21 after dysvascular major lower limb amputation compared with one month pre-amputation and evaluates factors potentially influencing outcome. METHODS: A prospective cohort study design was used. Data were collected via in-person interviews using structured instruments and covered functional level (Barthel index 100) one month pre-amputation and on Day 21. Out of a consecutive sample of patients having major lower limb amputation (tibia, knee or femoral) (n = 105), 51 participated on Day 21 follow-up. Clinical, demographic, body function and environmental data were analysed as factors potentially influencing outcome. RESULTS: From pre-amputation to Day 21, participants' functional level decreased significantly in all ten activities of daily living activities as measured by the Barthel Index. Almost 60% of participants were independent in bed-chair transfer on Day 21. Being independent in transfer on Day 21 was positively associated with younger age and attending physiotherapy after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that short-term functional outcome is modifiable by quality of the postoperative care provided and thus highlights the need for increased focus on postoperative care to maintain basic function as well as establish and provide everyday rehabilitation in the general population of patients who have dysvascular lower limb amputations.

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Diabetic foot ulcerations may determine minor or major amputation, with a high impact on patients' life expectation and quality of life and on economic burden. Among minor amputations, transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) appears to be the most effective in terms of limb salvage rates and in maintaining foot and ankle biomechanics. In spite of this, TMA needs particular pre- and postoperative management in order to avoid the frequent failure rates. A systematic review was undertaken of studies concerning TMA and its care in diabetic foot gangrene. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, Scopus and Science Direct databases until 13 January 2016. All studies were assessed using the Downs and Black quality checklist. Of the 348 records found, 86 matched our inclusion criteria. After reading the full-text articles, we decided to exclude 35 manuscripts because of the following reasons: (1) no innovative or important content, (2) no multivariable analysis, (3) insufficient data, (4) no clear potential biases or strategies to solve them, (5) no clear endpoints and (6) inconsistent or arbitrary conclusions. The final set included 51 articles. In the current literature, there are less data about TMA, indication for the selection of patients, outcomes and complications. Generally, the judgment of an experienced physician is one of the best indicators of subsequent healing. Ankle brachial indices, toe pressures, laser Doppler skin perfusion pressures, angiography and Doppler assessment of foot vasculature may help physicians in this decision. In any case, despite the presumed lower healing rate, it is reasonable to pursue a TMA in a patient with a higher likelihood of continued ambulation. Furthermore, tailored wound closure, adjuvant local treatments and the choice of the most appropriate antibiotic therapy, when infection occurs, are pivotal elements for the success of TMA procedures. TMA is a valuable option for diabetic foot gangrene that can prevent major limb loss and minimise loss of function, thus improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.

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When Ruth Miller looks at the latest figures on diabetes-related foot amputations, she admits that her heart sinks a little. As Poole NHS Foundation Trust's lead diabetes nurse, she knows the devastation the disease can wreak on people's feet. Yet this message does not seem to be getting through.

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What was the nature of the CPD activity, practice-related feedback and/or event and/or experience in your practice? The article provided an overview of care for patients undergoing a limb amputation. It outlined the four phases of care: pre-operative care, post-operative care, discharge planning and community reintegration, and what is involved during each phase.

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OBJECTIVES: In the last two decades, mirror therapy has become a frequently used method of managing phantom limb pain (PLP). However, the role of nurses in mirror therapy has not yet been well defined. This study examined the effect of mirror therapy on the management of PLP, and discusses the importance of mirror therapy in the nursing care of amputee patients. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the pain management department of a university hospital and a prosthesis clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, with 15 amputee patients who had PLP. Forty minutes of practical mirror therapy training was given to the patients and they were asked to practice at home for 4 weeks. Patients were asked to record the severity of their PLP before and after the therapy each day using 0-10 Numeric Pain Intensity Scale. RESULTS: Mirror therapy practiced for 4 weeks provided a significant decrease in severity of PLP. There was no significant relationship between the effect of mirror therapy and demographic, amputation or PLP-related characteristics. Patients who were not using prosthesis had greater benefit from mirror therapy. CONCLUSION: Mirror therapy can be used as an adjunct to medical and surgical treatment of PLP. It is a method that patients can practice independently, enhancing self-control over phantom pain. As mirror therapy is a safe, economical, and easy-to-use treatment method, it should be considered in the nursing care plan for patients with PLP.

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Imagery has been used as a healing practice since ancient times. Its reemergence in modern medicine began in the second half of the 20th century, when research suggested that imagery could help reduce patients' pain and anxiety and improve their quality of life and outlook on their illness. While current evidence is insufficient to support claims that imagery affects disease progression, research suggests that this method of inducing relaxation encourages patients' healing process and gives them a greater sense of autonomy in relation to disease and its management. Because imagery is noninvasive, the risks associated with its use are minimal and it is now widely used in integrative nursing. The author discusses imagery's uses and benefits, as well as the potential pitfalls in its use, and describes an imagery technique she has found effective in practice, providing a sample script and explaining how the technique might be used to help patients in various settings.

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This article provides an overview of the care of patients undergoing limb amputation. Absence of a limb can be congenital or the result of trauma or complications of chronic diseases. While the economic burden of limb amputation is significant, nurses have an important role in limiting other losses attributable to limb loss, such as long-term disability leading to loss of employment and delayed return to work or school. Comprehensive nursing assessments and appropriate interventions, pre and post-operatively, as well as early discharge planning and community reintegration can help avoid some of these losses. Nurses should be aware of the resources available in communities and work in multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal outcomes for patients following limb amputation and their families.

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Good management of diabetes can reduce the risk of complications of the disease. When not well managed, diabetes is associated with the complications of heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the feet and cause a loss of feeling. As a result, foot injuries do not heal well and the person may not realise that their foot is sore or injured. Damage to the foot may lead to the development of foot ulcers, which if left untreated may result in amputation of the limb. Preventive care is a priority, but when complications occur the next step is to halt progression. Therefore, effective foot care and timely treatment of foot ulcers are important in preserving foot function and mobility, and preventing amputation in adults with diabetes.

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Objetivo: Describir el vivir con dolor de miembro fantasma en la persona posamputada. Método: Estudio de abordaje cualitativo-descriptivo, exploratorio; y como técnica se empleó la entrevista semiestructurada, los sujetos participantes residen en el Estado de Durango, México; participaron 12 personas que al ser amputadas debutaron con Dolor de miembro fantasma, el soporte teórico estuvo apoyado con el dolor de Le Breton (1999)21. Resultados: En los discursos de la persona posamputada se evidencian expresiones de una vida sin objetivos, se de terminan a desempeñar el rol de enfermos al considerar su dolor como una tragedia personal o una desviación social que enluta su vida y la de su familia. Consideraciones Finales: La enfermera debe aprender a escuchar el cuerpo enfermo, seguir con atención sus señales y sus expresiones ya sean de alegría, llanto, tristeza, dolor, desagrado, silencio, etc., interpretando lo que trata de comunicar y solicita. Deberá estar atenta y vigilante procurando que el cuerpo-sujeto alivie el dolor físico y el dolor del alma, que se pueda revertir permanente por el resto de su vida, pues vivir con dolor desde el punto de vista fisiopatológico constituye una crisis circunstancial, eventual y controlable que no sucede igual con la enfermedad del alma.

Objective: To describe the live with phantom limb pain in posamputada person. Method: Qualitative Study-descriptive, exploratory approach; and as a semi-structured interview technique was employed, participating subjects residing in the State of Durango, Mexico; involving 12 people to be amputated debuted with painphantom limb the theoretical support was supported with the pain of Le Breton (1999)21 Results: In the discourses of posamputada individual expressions of life without goals is evident, are determined to play the role of patients to consider their pain as a personal tragedy or social deviance that his life and mourns for his family. Final Thoughts: The nurse must learn to listen to the sick body, carefully follow their signals and whether their expressions of joy, sorrow, sadness, pain, disgust, silence, etc; interpreting what is communicating and requests. You must be alert and vigilant care that the body-subject relieve physical pain and the pain of the soul, which can be reversed permanently for the rest of your life, because living with pain from the physiological point of view is a circumstantial eventual crisis and controllable which does not happen with the disease of the soul.

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BACKGROUND: The body composition monitor (BCM) provides an objective assessment of fluid status, which has been shown to improve outcomes in patients undergoing haemodialysis. The models used by the BCM were developed and validated using standard wrist-to-ankle bioimpedance measurements, made between electrodes on the hand and foot. However, in patients with inaccessible or amputated feet it is not possible to use standard electrode configurations. OBJECTIVE: To compare hydration measurements made with 'hand-to-hand' (H-H) and 'hand-to-foot' (H-F) electrode configurations in patients with accessible feet or no amputations. METHODS: One hundred and one consecutive patients referred for a BCM measurement were recruited to have H-H measurements at the same time as the usual H-F measurement using the same height and weight. Patients with obvious localised oedema were excluded. RESULTS: Compared with H-F, H-H measurements showed a bias of -0.1 L. For 61% of patients the difference between the readings was within 0.5 L; for 81% it was within 1.0 L. CONCLUSION: The agreement between H-H and H-F measurements was close enough to encourage us to use H-H measurements in patients with inaccessible or amputated feet. Prior to amputation, height and weight are recorded. Target weight (TW) reductions are made gradually when close to normal hydration. Clinically, changes based on H-H measurements appear to be as appropriate as those using H-F. The desired hydration at TW can be established and then TW adjusted to maintain this hydration as the flesh weight fluctuates.

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Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to complications resulting in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), foot infections, osteomyelitis, and amputations. Almost 50,000 amputations performed every year in the United States are due to DFUs. A qualitative analysis using Colaizzi's step-by-step approach to phenomenology was conducted to describe the experiences of 15 patients with diabetes living with a foot amputation. Semi-structured interviews were recorded digitally,transcribed, and analyzed. The analysis included reading transcripts multiple times, identifying noteworthy verbatim statements, then abstracting key words and phrases; similar key words and phrases were grouped into a meaning unit. The researchers rereviewed original transcripts, verbatim statements, and extracted key words and phrases and devised meaning units to identify main themes. Rigor in this study was ensured by developing an audit trail that linked the meaning units and themes back to key words and verbatim statements in the original transcripts and then allowing the participant to ensure accuracy of recounted information. Five major themes emerged from the data regarding patient concern about the ability to be productive members of society (i.e., transitioning from having a nonhealing wound to living as a new amputee)--financial burden, powerlessness, social support, placing blame, and uncertainty in one's continued ability--each having implications for health care providers as well as patients. By considering the experience from the patient perspective, health care professionals may be better prepared to discuss patient concerns with follow-up care and day to-day living, especially in getting help with finances. Additional research is needed to uncover models of care that may help these patients remain productive members of society and reduce the burden of amputation on patient quality of life.

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The treatment of complex wounds in traumatology is a source of concern for nurses. Negative pressure therapy constitutes a solution for difficult-to-treat situations in the framework of open fractures and loss of limb tissue.

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