Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART) program is a peer-supported virtual health approach for rehabilitation after lower limb amputation.
SMART aims to help participants by providing an online education program and peer support to improve an individual’s walking capacity, confidence, knowledge, and self-management skills following lower limb amputation.
Jump to: Who Can Participate | What To Expect | Meet the Peer Trainers | Contact Information
We are recruiting participants for SMART Program
To be able to participate in the SMART Program, participants must:
- Be aged 50 years or older
- Have a unilateral lower limb amputation
- Have completed the initial casting of prosthesis within the last 5 years
- Have access to computer or tablet or smart phone and internet
Participants will not be able to participate if they:
- Have substantial health conditions (e.g. congestive heart failure)
- Anticipate further surgery (e.g. LLA revision)
- Have an inability to use a tablet (e.g. using hands for typing)
What to expect:
- This is a randomized-control trial. Participants will be divided into one of two groups.
- TRIAL GROUP
- Participate in 6-weeks of online self-management modules (less than 3 hours/week) from the comfort of home
- Weekly online meetings with a peer trainer
- 3 virtual sessions with the research team
- CONTROL GROUP
- Participate in a 15 minute phone call once a week for 6-weeks
- 3 virtual sessions with the research team
- Have access to the SMART modules and peer trainer after the study period (10 weeks)
What you might gain:
- Tools and knowledge to improve walking capacity, confidence, and self-management skills
- The support of a peer mentor who has gone through similar experiences
- An honorarium after each virtual session with the research team
Participate in SMART:
- Click here for our contact information
Meet the SMART Peer Trainers
During the 6-week program, you will be paired with one of our lovely peer trainers from British Columbia and Ontario.
Jim
Residence: Prince George, BC
Amputation: Right – Below Knee Amputation (BKA)
Due to his experiences with Charcot Foot, Type 2 Diabetes, and an infection, Jim had a below-knee amputation in February of 2021. Jim went through rehabilitation at Holy Family Hospital and also benefitted from being a participant in the SMART Program. Jim is semi-retired and enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife have three children and five grandchildren. Jim enjoys sports and has participated in baseball, football, and curling, among others. Jim also enjoys sports as a fan, particularly of the Toronto Blue Jays. He currently resides in Prince George but has lived in a number of countries across the world. As a SMART Peer Trainer, Jim hopes to help others who are learning how to deal with a leg amputation and to learn more himself.
Gary
Residence: Summerland, BC
Amputation: Right – Above Knee Amputation (AKA)
Gary is an above-knee amputee on his right leg and had his first amputation in 1985. Gary cares about health, and his hobbies include tennis, appreciating nature, and building design and construction. An interesting fact about Gary is that he grows Agave! Gary’s hometown is Summerland, British Columbia. Through his work as a SMART Peer Trainer, Gary hopes to share in his peer’s challenges and achieve growth and positive changes.
Mike
Residence: Mississauga, ON
Amputation: Right – Below Knee Amputation (BKA)
After experiencing a spider bite resulting in two occurrences of Osteomyelitis, Mike underwent an amputation in February of 2019. Mike has a below-knee amputation on his right leg, has been a Type 2 Diabetic for 25 years, and has it under control. Mike spent time at West Park, which he says has been great for his recovery and helped his transition as an amputee. Mike has been told that his positive outlook has helped him through this transition. His two children have been a big part of his recovery as his support mechanism, and he greatly enjoys spending time with them. Before his amputation, Mike played golf. Mike currently lives in Mississauga, Ontario. As a SMART Peer Trainer, Mike wants to share his experiences with others and answer questions about the life changes that amputees may face.
Cristina
Residence: Vancouver, BC
Amputation: Left – Above Knee Amputation (AKA)
Cristina was diagnosed with angiosarcoma in 2014 that resulted in left AKA. She underwent rehabilitation for two years and had strong support from my family, relatives, friends, and co-workers which helped her adapt and accept her new normal. With this support, she was able to return to full-time work as a nurse and is still going strong today! She was also able to contribute to a published book called “Unconform: Harnessing the Radical Power of Courage” by Kathy Donovan. Sharing her experiences of finding inner strength after going through this life changing event was liberating and she looks forward to supporting SMART participants through this process.
Patricia
Residence: Toronto, ON
Amputation: Left – Below Knee Amputation (BKA)
Patricia underwent a left transtibial amputation in 2012 due to undisclosed Diabetes. She has had three surgeries for Gangrene. Patricia occasionally sits on the Board of Directors for West Park Healthcare Centre as a Patient Care Liaison. Her hobbies include gardening, volunteering, working with dog rescues, and music, especially Latin music. Patricia’s hometown is Toronto, Ontario. An interesting fact about Patricia is that her first job was with Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada! Through her work as a SMART Peer Trainer, Patricia hopes to show new amputees that life goes on. She wants to help new amputees cope and enjoy life.
Jan
Residence: Woodstock, ON
Amputation: Left – Below Knee Amputation (BKA)
Jan experienced a left below-knee amputation in 2019 and had a great family and support system to help her transition through it. Jan considers herself extremely positive and encouraging. Jan’s hobbies include cooking, eating, flower arrangements, crafts, reading, puzzles, volleyball, and racquetball. Jan’s hometown is Woodstock, Ontario. Through her role as a SMART Peer Trainer, Jan wants to help others achieve their goals, but also be realistic. Jan wants people to feel good about themselves as an amputation is not the end, just the beginning of a new chapter.
SMART Research Contact Information
SMART Research Team:
- Ethan Simpson | Research Coordinator
- Aditya Dhariwal | Recruitment Lead
Email: smart.study@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-734-1313 ext. 6292
