Lower limb amputation affects several parameters of a patient’s life. Family caregivers providing care for these patients experience multiple feelings and needs; knowing caregivers’ needs is essential to prepare them for this new role, as well as the health planning of this type of care. This scoping review aimed to identify and map the needs of family caregivers of people with lower limb amputations. This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodological framework and the PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines. A bibliographical search was carried out on the needs of family caregivers of lower limb amputees in 15 databases. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a data extraction tool developed for this scoping review. Eight studies were included in the present review (n = 6 quantitative studies; n = 2 reviews). Results indicate that family caregivers of people with lower limb amputations may experience an extensive range of needs, as follows: (i) mental health and psychological support, (ii) physical health, (iii) health and well-being, (iv) supportive care, (v) social support, and (vi) educational/informational support. The needs identified in this review can help to develop interventions and programs that provide better support during the situational transition process.

Background/Objectives: Lower-limb amputation profoundly affects individuals and their family caregivers, particularly during home transition after hospital discharge. Understanding the needs, challenges, and emotions during this period is essential for designing effective family centered empowerment interventions. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of amputees and their caregivers, identify their needs and challenges, and identify strategies to foster empowerment, resilience, and adaptation after amputation. Methods: This qualitative, descriptive-exploratory study involved semi-structured interviews with 37 dyads, each comprising an amputee who has undergone major dysvascular lower-limb amputation and their primary caregiver, who provided home care. The participants attended follow-up consultations post-amputation. Data were collected over a 13-month period and analyzed using qualitative content analysis based on Bardin’s methodology, with support from ATLAS.ti 23.3.4 software for coding and data organization. Results: Four categories emerged: (i) difficulties faced, including loss of autonomy, mobility challenges, architectural barriers, and emotional strain; (ii) home discharge, emphasizing functional training for amputees and caregivers and the need for community support; (iii) impact of amputation, highlighting acceptance difficulties, psychological distress, social isolation, and lifestyle changes; and (iv) empowerment strategies, focusing on psychological support, skills training, assistive devices, and coordinated care. Tailored interventions such as peer support, home adaptations, and multidisciplinary care are essential for resilience, independence, and improved quality of life. Conclusions: Family centered empowerment strategies are vital for improving the outcomes of amputees and caregivers. Interventions that prioritize caregiver education, psychological support, and enhanced accessibility promote resilience, autonomy, and quality of life. These findings highlight the need for integrated hospital-to-community programs.

Objectives: to map nursing interventions that empower the Family caregiver of the person with lower limb amputation for is role. Methods: scoping review guided by Joanna Briggs Institute methodology conducted in different databases (including gray literature). Results: six studies published between 2009 and 2021 were included. Interventions of counselling and support for patients and family; peer support interventions performed by a certified pair; involvement of caregivers or family members in support groups; and key interventions for patient and family caregiver psychological balance. Two studies discussed the importance of caregiver and amputee training and development of coping skills. Another study recommended Interventions of informative support for caregivers regarding care for the amputee and adaptation to home. Conclusions: results of this review allow the identification of recommendations (guidelines) for practice and recommendations/suggestions for interventions according with identified needs of family caregivers of patients with lower limb amputation.

Objective: to identify the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the person with dysvascular major lower limb amputation and to assess their degree of dependence and autonomy in self-care activities at home. Method: quantitative, exploratory, cross-sectional and descriptive study. The convenience sample consisted of 40 participants. A sociodemographic questionnaire and the short version of the Self-Care Dependence Assessment Form were used for data collection. Results: of the 40 (100%) participants, the majority were male; 75% were over 65 years of age, 77.5% had a transfemoral amputation, and 72.5% were confined to a wheelchair. The higher levels of dependency predominated in self-care: “walking”, “bathing”, “dressing and undressing”, “using the toilet” and “transferring”. Conclusion: this study showed that the self-care domain with the highest level of dependence is “walking” self-care, and the lowest is “feeding”. Greater autonomy in using the toilet, walking and transferring from bed to chair were shown to be self-care activities with the best ability to predict patient autonomy.

Objetivo: identificar las características sociodemográficas y clínicas de personas con amputación mayor de miembro inferior de origen vascular y evaluar su nivel de dependencia y autonomía en las actividades de autocuidado en el hogar. Métodos: estudio cuantitativo, exploratorio, transversal y descriptivo. La muestra por conveniencia estuvo compuesta por 40 participantes. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la versión corta del Formulario de Evaluación de Dependencia de Autocuidado. Resultados: de los 40 (100%) participantes, la mayoría eran hombres; el 75% tenía más de 65 años y el 77,5% fue sometido a amputación transfemoral. En relación al nivel de dependencia predominaron las actividades relacionadas con el autocuidado: “caminar”, “bañarse”, “vestirse y desvestirse”, “ir al baño” y “trasladarse” y en cuanto a la autonomía el 72,5 % se limitó a un silla de ruedas. Conclusión: el dominio del autocuidado con mayor nivel de dependencia es “caminar” y el más bajo es el “alimentarse”. Una mayor autonomía en el uso del baño, caminar y pasar de la cama a la silla resultaron ser actividades de autocuidado con mayor capacidad para predecir la autonomía del paciente.