Communication techniques for improved acceptance and adherence with therapeutic footwear
- Authors: Van Netten, Jaap , Francis, Anthony , Morphet, Ashley , Fortington, Lauren , Postema, Klass , Williams, Anita
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Prosthetics and Orthotics International Vol. 41, no. 2 (2017), p. 201-204
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background and aim: Clients’ acceptance and adherence with orthoses can be influenced by a clinician’s communication skills. In this clinical note, we describe two communication techniques, in the context of therapeutic footwear. Technique: Person-centred communication involves engaging with and listening to the attitudes of the client towards their condition, as well as discussing acceptance and expectations, in a structured consultation. Building a relationship is crucial and requires clients to feel heard and understood. An important influence on the acceptance and adherence is that a client makes a conscious decision to receive their device. This active receipt can be facilitated through shared decision making, wherein clinicians give clear, relevant and meaningful examples, based on clinical evidence, and ensure this is understood. Discussion: Two communication techniques for clinicians providing therapeutic footwear are described. These can be adapted for use with provision of other assistive technologies to improve client acceptance and adherence. Clinical relevance: Small changes in how clinicians communicate to their clients in daily practice can have a big influence on the subsequent acceptance and adherence with therapeutic footwear and indeed other prescribed assistive technologies. © 2016, © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2016.
Lower limb amputation in Northern Netherlands: Unchanged incidence from 1991-1992 to 2003-2004
- Authors: Fortington, Lauren , Rommers, Gerardus , Postema, Klaas , Van Netten, Jaap , Geertzen, Jan , Dijkstra, Pieter
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Prosthetics and Orthotics International Vol. 37, no. 4 (August 2013 2013), p. 305-310
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Background: Investigating population changes gives insight into effectiveness and need for prevention and rehabilitation services. Incidence rates of amputation are highly varied, making it difficult to meaningfully compare rates between studies and regions or to compare changes over time. Study Design: Historical cohort study of transtibial amputation, knee disarticulation, and transfemoral amputations resulting from vascular disease or infection, with/without diabetes, in 2003-2004, in the three Northern provinces of the Netherlands. Objectives: To report the incidence of first transtibial amputation, knee disarticulation, or transfemoral amputation in 2003-2004 and the characteristics of this population, and to compare these outcomes to an earlier reported cohort from 1991 to 1992. Methods: Population-based incidence rates were calculated per 100,000 person-years and compared across the two cohorts. Results: Incidence of amputation was 8.8 (all age groups) and 23.6 (≥45 years) per 100,000 person-years. This was unchanged from the earlier study of 1991-1992. The relative risk of amputation was 12 times greater for people with diabetes than for people without diabetes. Conclusions: Investigation is needed into reasons for the unchanged incidence with respect to the provision of services from a range of disciplines, including vascular surgery, diabetes care, and multidisciplinary foot clinics. Clinical relevance: This study shows an unchanged incidence of amputation over time and a high risk of amputation related to diabetes. Given the increased prevalence of diabetes and population aging, both of which present an increase in the population at risk of amputation, finding methods for reducing the rate of amputation is of importance.
- Description: C1