Vocational reintegration after a lower limb amputation: a qualitative study

The objectives of this study were to describe the process of job reintegration, to obtain more detailed information about workplace adjustments, and to assess the positive and negative experiences of amputees (in the Netherlands) who returned to paid work after their lower limb amputation. The study had a retrospective design with semi-structured interviews. The authors used a qualitative methodology to obtain detailed information on the reintegration process. Thirty-two (32) subjects participated with a mean age of 42.6 years. The mean time between amputation and return to work was nearly one year (11.5 months). The most common reasons for delay in return to work were stump problems and problems in wound healing. Fifty percent (50%) of the amputees got different work tasks or another job than before amputation, mainly because of physical restrictions caused by the amputation. The most important motives of the amputees for job reintegration were work as a form of day spending (69%) and social contacts at the workplace (66%). Bad support of the implementing body which takes care of job reintegration and employer (34%) were the most mentioned obstacle to job reintegration. Vocational workers should be regular members in the rehabilitation teams for amputees.