Introduction: Amputation is the unintentional loss of a limb, leading to an irreversible condition. Rehabilitation plays a significant role in amputation, with its main goal being the improvement of mobility and reintegrating individuals back into the community after amputation. Occupational therapists also play a crucial role in this process by assisting individuals in engaging in meaningful daily occupations that are important to them. Occupational therapy intervention is also directed towards teaching independent performance of daily activities and selecting appropriate Medical technical devices. Purpose: The purpose of the diploma work is to determine what is currently known about the role of occupational therapists in the treatment of adult individuals following lower limb amputation and to explore the methods, techniques, and strategies employed in the rehabilitation of adult individuals after lower limb amputation. Methods: A literature review was conducted. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies were searched on Digital Library of the University of Ljubljana and the following databases: Cinahl, PubMed, Web of Science, and OT Seeker. Additionally, manual reference screening was conducted. Results: 12 articles were included in the final analysis. The literature review identified five themes for discussion: the primary roles of occupational therapists in the rehabilitation of individuals following lower limb amputation, medical technical devices, the significance of occupations for individuals after lower limb amputation, occupational therapy interventions, and techniques and methods of occupational therapy intervention. Discussion and conclusion: Findings from our literature review indicate that one of the primary roles of an occupational therapist in the treatment of individuals following lower limb amputation is the appropriate selection of assistive devices, with the wheelchair being the most crucial. Teaching the proper use of a wheelchair as part of occupational therapy intervention yields positive rehabilitation effects. Additionally, the transfer board was often mentioned, which is intended for teaching individuals after lower limb amputation how to transfer. An important aspect is educating individuals after lower limb amputation about various factors influencing rehabilitation outcomes, including fall prevention and managing phantom pain. Occupational therapists instruct individuals on proper residual limb care and teach suitable activities for both lower and upper limbs to improve performance. It would be advisable to include occupational therapy intervention as early as the pre-prosthetic phase, focusing on enhancing independence and safety in daily activities.
|
