Philippine E-Journals

The Return-to-Work Experience of Lower Extremity Amputees Provided with Prostheses at UERMMMCI CTC-PO

John Carlo S. Jumarang | Tomas Pedro P. Reginaldo, Jr. | Jobelle D. Garcia | Raine Sabine C. Lacza | Dan Angela P. Mercado | Sarah Nicole Que | Kim Miguel J. Roño | Joseph Thaddeus S. Santos | Nicole Kei L. Villanueva

 

Abstract:

Introduction Since there are limited studies about the return-to-work experiences of Filipino amputees, this study will be able to contribute to studies that delve deeper into the lower extremity amputees’ experiences and put into light the factors that may be present in relation to their return to work. Methods This study utilized a qualitative phenomenological design. Participants who were willing to join the study were all gathered for a focus group discussion conducted by a hired interviewer. The researchers adapted Colaizzi’s descriptive phenomenological method for analyzing the data. Results Factors that allowed amputees to have a successful return to work experience were motivation to continue with life, positive impact of lower extremity prosthesis, and rehabilitation. Factors that hindered the successful return to work of amputees were social barriers, work environment, negative self-image, discrimination from the community, and ft of prosthesis. Conclusion Employment was possible after amputation among amputees who were provided with prosthesis at UERMMMCI, since most of the respondents of this study were employed. Positive and negative factors that infuenced their return to work were also identifed. Non-compliance to rehabilitation limited the usage of prosthesis resulting in not being able to return to work.