Purpose: To gain an understanding of the embodied perceptual experience of successful prosthesis. Method: The data for this study were transcripts derived from in-depth semi-structured e-mail (n = 21) and face-to-face (n = 14) interviews, and the documentary analysis of an e-mail discussion group for prosthesis users. This qualitative data was subject to an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: Analysis of the research data identified six themes in the perceptually embodied experiences of prosthesis users: Adjusting to a prosthetic; The Balance of the Body; Awareness of the Prosthesis; The Knowing Body; The Phantom Becomes the Prosthesis: Extending the Body; and The Prosthesis as Tool or Corporeal Structure. Conclusion: The often-cited reasons for the rejection of prostheses are frequently part of the initial experiences of ‘successful’ prosthesis users also. This suggests the need to sufficiently motivate potential prosthesis users in the period between an experience of prosthesis use as unnatural and wieldy to one of pre-reflective, natural use. In addition, two broad forms of prosthesis experience were identified: one in which the prosthesis was experienced as a corporeal structure; and one in which it was viewed as a tool. While future work may be able to explore the psychosocial correlates of these experiences, it is nonetheless the case that persons with these differing experiences were able to enjoy the benefits imbued by prosthesis use.

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between prosthesis satisfaction and body image in lower limb prosthesis users, and the gendered variations within these relationships. Method: A total of 44 valid responses were obtained to an internet survey regarding prosthesis satisfaction, body image and phantom pain. Spearman Rho correlations were calculated for these three domains. Results: Moderate to high negative correlations were observed between body image disturbance and prosthesis satisfaction. These were consistent across genders. Other relationships were also revealed, including positive correlations between prosthesis satisfaction with hours of use and negative correlations between prosthesis satisfaction and pain experience, although strong differences between genders were observed for these. The length of time for which respondents had had their prosthesis bore little relation to other variables. Conclusion: The present research is instructive of the close relationship between body image and prosthesis satisfaction, as well as gender variations in these relationships, in lower-limb prosthesis users. These findings have implications for targeted service provision in prosthetic rehabilitation.

Purpose. This paper describes the design and implementation of a case study based investigation using immersive virtual reality as a treatment for phantom limb pain. Method. Three participants who experienced phantom limb pain (two with an upper-limb amputation, and one with a lower-limb amputation) took part in between 2 and 5 immersive virtual reality (IVR) sessions over a 3-week period. The movements of participants' anatomical limbs were transposed into the movements of a virtual limb, presented in the phenomenal space of their phantom limb. Results. Preliminary qualitative findings are reported here to assess proof of principle for this IVR equipment. All participants reported the transferal of sensations into the muscles and joints of the phantom limb, and all participants reported a decrease in phantom pain during at least one of the sessions. Conclusion. The authors suggest the need for further research using control trials.

To investigate the meaning and experience of being a stroke survivor. Qualitative in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 stroke survivors (five face-to-face and five e-mail interviews). The interview data were transcribed verbatim (these were pre-transcribed in e-mail exchange) and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Four themes emerged from the analysis: Disrupted embodiment and the loss of self; Invisibility of emotional difficulties; Gender, romance and sexuality; and Social interaction. These themes, respectively, revealed that participants often had difficulties with psychological adaptation to the physically disabling aspects of their stroke; they experienced enduring and disabling emotional difficulties; they had a particular concern for the viability and maintenance of romantic and sexual relationships; and they often became socially withdrawn, resulting in an increased pressure on familial caregivers. The findings of the present work suggest the need for post-stroke counselling regarding romantic and sexual relationships, as well as promoting acceptance of some of the physical disabilities that come with having a stroke and encouraging positive self-regard. There would also appear to be a need to address the issue of social withdrawal and familial relationships, perhaps when health professionals convey information regarding the person's stroke, and in counselling targeted specifically at family caregivers.

There is a growing recognition of dementia as a condition that affects both members of a couple individually while also influencing the relational bond between them. This is an area which potentially has important service implications. Accordingly, the aim of this review was to elaborate the experience of dementia on partner/spousal relationships through a synthesis of pertinent qualitative literature. A systematic literature search for qualitative research papers was undertaken in November 2013. Five databases (Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO) were searched using terms for dementia, partner and qualitative data analysis. Meta-synthesis was conducted on the data within the found papers. A line-of-argument synthesis of 10 studies yielded four overarching themes, which highlight couples' efforts to maintain their sense of togetherness; shifts in balance and power within their relationship which can impact upon both partners' sense of identity; the empathy and sensitive attunement between couples as they work to protect each other's sense of role and identity; and the resilience couples demonstrate in the face of great fear, uncertainty and hopelessness. Findings have important implications for both research and practice, particularly the need for services to support couples' efforts to enhance couplehood in spite of dementia. Ultimately, this review adds further weight to arguments to refocus dementia care on relationships in addition to individuals.

Purpose: To identify and synthesize qualitative literature on the experience of amputation and prosthesis use for adults, and to make recommendations based on these findings for rehabilitation services. Methods: A systematic search of three databases for qualitative research exploring the experience of amputation and prosthesis use for adults was undertaken. Included papers were evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) quality guidelines. Data were extracted and themes synthesized in accordance with accepted procedures for qualitative metasyntheses. Results: From the 15 papers (13 studies) included in there view, five concepts were identified: (i) Becoming an amputee and facing prosthesis use; (ii) Adjustment to and coping with amputation and prosthesis use; (iii) The role of valued relationships in recovery; (iv) Amputation and prosthesis use in social interaction; and (v) Prosthetically enabled identities. Conclusions: The findings provide a base from which to make suggestions regarding the provision of health rehabilitation services for this population. It is recommended that such services make greater use of psychological interventions and education, include patients’ social support networks, use psychotherapy to support and develop positive coping strategies, and facilitate peer support from those who have already made positive adjustments to amputation and prosthesis use. Implications for Rehabilitation Amputation of a limb and subsequent prosthesis use present major physical, psychological and social challenges. Qualitative research on these topics is important in informing the design, organisation and delivery of health rehabilitation services which meet the needs of this population. The findings of this systematic review indicate that rehabilitation for this group make greater use of psychological interventions and education, involve patients’ social support networks, use psychotherapy to support positive coping strategies, and provide peer support from patients who have already made positive adjustments. Implications for Rehabilitation