Rehabilitation in skilled nursing centres for elderly people with lower limb amputations: a mixed-methods, descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES To describe the current set-up, barriers and potential for providing rehabilitation to people with lower limb amputation in skilled nursing centres. DESIGN Survey and interviews. SUBJECTS/PARTICIPANTS Elderly care physicians, physiotherapists. METHODS In 2011, clinicians from 34 skilled nursing centres participated in a semi-structured interview covering rehabilitation and daily care, personal skills and training, team work and communication, and discharge processes. RESULTS Each centre sees only a small proportion of people with amputation (a maximum of 3.6% of all admissions). This limited number of patients appears to be the main barrier in providing care, as it is difficult for clinicians to maintain knowledge, and resources are spread widely. Two main areas of improvement were suggested by participants: (i) use of guidelines in care; and (ii) collaboration with specialized team members. CONCLUSION The spread of patients across many centres makes it difficult for professionals working in skilled nursing centres to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge for care of people with amputation. A designated skilled nursing centre for amputation rehabilitation is presented as a solution, but smaller clinical changes are also suggested, including improvements in communication and training.