PLoS ONE (Jan 2023)

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial to assess the effect of Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART): An online self-management program for individuals with lower limb loss

  • Elham Esfandiari,
  • WC Miller,
  • Sheena King,
  • Michael Payne,
  • W. Ben Mortenson,
  • Heather Underwood,
  • Crystal MacKay,
  • Maureen C. Ashe

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 18, no. 3

Abstract

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Background Lower limb loss (LLL) is a distressing experience with psychological, physical, and social challenges. Education is needed to enhance the coping skills and confidence of patients to improve LLL outcomes. However, access to rehabilitation services and education is limited outside of urban centers. To address this service gap, we co-created an eHealth platform, called Self-Management for Amputee Rehabilitation using Technology (SMART). Objectives First, we will test the effect of SMART and usual care compared with usual care only on walking capacity and confidence among individuals with LLL. Second, we will describe key implementation factors for program delivery and adoption at the person- and provider-level. Methods This is a Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Design, mixed-methods, multi-site (British Columbia and Ontario, Canada), parallel, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Participants will include adults with unilateral LLL, during early prosthetic fitting (Results No participants have been enrolled. Conclusions SMART has the potential to provide knowledge and skill development to augment rehabilitation outcomes for adults with LLL. Trial registration NCT04953364 in Clinical Trial Registry (https://clinicaltrials.gov/).