Self-Management for Amputees using Rehabilitation Technology (SMART)
A peer-supported, online, educational program to enhance rehabilitation after lower limb loss
Lower limb loss requires a comprehensive rehabilitation approach to address the ongoing physical and psychological complications, but access to sufficient care can be limited. Self-management programs and eHealth technologies have both demonstrated potential for mitigating complications in various health conditions, so the purpose of this research was to develop an online self-management program for people who have recently undergone a lower limb amputation surgery.
Multiple rounds of co-creation and testing culminated in the SMART program that was used for the final randomised controlled trial. The six-week program combines a weekly educational module with a weekly peer support session. Each of the six modules includes an overview, educational material in various formats, and goal setting. The peer mentors were individuals with a lower limb loss who received brief action planning training so that they could facilitate goal setting, provide support, and augment the modules.
With support from across Canada, we recruited 61 participants. They completed outcome measures at three timepoints, with some participants also completing a one-to-one interview. The data are currently being analysed so come back soon to see the results!atform (Zoom).
