Demographics and discharge outcomes of dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees at a subacute rehabilitation unit: a 7-year series
Heather R. Batten A B I , Suzanne S. Kuys C D , Steven M. McPhail E F , Paulose N. Varghese G H and Jennifer C. Nitz B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Physiotherapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia.
B Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. Email: j.nitz@uq.edu.au
C Allied Health Research Collaborative, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, The Prince Charles Hospital, Rode Road, Chermside, Qld 4032, Australia. Email: suzanne.kuys@health.qld.gov.au
D Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld 4222, Australia.
E Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Buranda Village, Corner Ipswich Road and Cornwall Streets, Buranda, Qld 4102, Australia. Email: steven.mcphail@health.qld.gov.au
F Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Public Health & Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld 4059, Australia.
G Department of Geriatric Medicine, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ispwich Road, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia.
H School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia. Email: paul.varghese@health.qld.gov.au
I Corresponding author. Email: heather.batten@health.qld.gov.au
Australian Health Review 39(1) 76-84 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH14042
Submitted: 25 February 2014 Accepted: 21 September 2014 Published: 5 January 2015
Abstract
Objective To examine personal and social demographics, and rehabilitation discharge outcomes of dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees.
Methods In total, 425 lower limb amputation inpatient rehabilitation admissions (335 individuals) from 2005 to 2011 were examined. Admission and discharge descriptive statistics (frequency, percentages) were calculated and compared by aetiology.
Results Participants were male (74%), aged 65 years (s.d. 14), born in Australia (72%), had predominantly dysvascular aetiology (80%) and a median length of stay 48 days (interquartile range (IQR): 25–76). Following amputation, 56% received prostheses for mobility, 21% (n = 89) changed residence and 28% (n = 116) required community services. Dysvascular amputees were older (mean 67 years, s.d. 12 vs 54 years, s.d. 16; P < 0.001) and recorded lower functional independence measure – motor scores at admission (z = 3.61, P < 0.001) and discharge (z = 4.52, P < 0.001). More non-vascular amputees worked before amputation (43% vs 11%; P < 0.001), were prescribed a prosthesis by discharge (73% vs 52%; P < 0.001) and had a shorter length of stay (7 days, 95% confidence interval: –3 to 17), although this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions Differences exist in social and demographic outcomes between dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees.
What is known about the topic? Lower limb amputation occurs due to various aetiologies.
What does this paper add? Lower limb amputee rehabilitation over 7 years was investigated, comprising 425 admissions, 80% due to dysvascular aetiology. Personal and social demographics, and discharge outcomes are compared by aetiology.
What are the implications for practitioners? Demographic and discharge outcome differences exist between dysvascular and non-vascular lower limb amputees. Twenty-one percent were required to change residence and 28% required additional social supports. Discharge planning should begin as soon as possible to limit time spent waiting for new accommodation or major modifications for current homes. Lower limb amputees are not homogeneous, so care should be taken if extrapolating from combined amputee aetiologies or from one aetiology to another.
Additional keywords: amputation, prosthesis, rehabilitation.
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