Characterizing mobility from the prosthetic limb user's perspective: Use of focus groups to guide development of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility

Abstract

Background: Input from target respondents in the development of patient-reported outcome measures is necessary to ensure that the instrument is meaningful.

Objectives: To solicit perspectives of prosthetic limb users about their mobility experiences and to inform development of the Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility.

Study design: Qualitative study.

Methods: Four focus groups of lower limb prosthesis users were held in different regions of the United States. Focus group transcripts were coded, and themes were identified. Feedback from participants was used to develop a framework for measuring mobility with a lower limb prosthesis.

Results: Focus group participants (N = 37) described mobility as a confluence of factors that included characteristics of the individual, activity, and environment. Identified themes were defined as individual characteristics, forms of movement, and environmental situations. Prosthetic mobility was conceptualized as movement activities performed in an environmental or situational context.

Conclusion: Respondent feedback used to guide development of Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility established a foundation for a new person-centered measure of mobility with a prosthetic limb.

Clinical relevance: Perspectives of target respondents are needed to guide development of instruments intended to measure health outcomes. Focus groups of prosthetic limb users were conducted to solicit experiences related to mobility with a lower limb prosthesis. Results were used to inform development of a clinically meaningful, person-centered instrument.

Keywords: Focus groups; artificial limb; mobility limitations; qualitative research.

© The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Figures

Figure 1

Initial PLUS-M Measurement Model. Mobility is conceptualized in this model as a form of movement (i.e., task or activity) performed within an environmental situation (i.e., setting or context).