The role of occupational rehabilitation in slicing off disability in amputees – a literature review and epidemiological analysis

Abstract

Limb amputation often results in a change of profession or withdrawal from the workforce. Occupational rehabilitation plays a key role in assisting individuals with finding, maintaining, and advancing in employment. The aim of this review was to determine the precise number of amputations performed in Poland from January 2014 to June 2022 and to present selected available rehabilitation programs aimed at the social reintegration of individuals after amputations, with a particular focus on vocational rehabilitation. The analysis was conducted in 2 stages. First, the team reviewed data obtained from the central IT system of the National Health Fund and analyzed it. Then, a literature review was conducted using English-language databases: PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Medline, and websites searched through Google Scholar and Google. A total of 29 sources (from the years 2006–2024) out of 75 found were analyzed. Articles were searched using the following keywords: “rehabilitation programs,” “amputations,” “occupational rehabilitation,” “disability,” “vocational activation,” and “rehabilitation effectiveness.” A significant number of amputations are performed in Poland. Individuals who undergo such procedures can benefit from occupational rehabilitation programs that facilitate a faster return to professional activity. It is crucial to develop and implement preventive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of amputations in Poland, as well as to introduce new vocational rehabilitation programs that will enable individuals with disabilities to return to professional activity more effectively and efficiently. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):445–454

Keywords

• rehabilitation programs
• amputations
• occupational rehabilitation
• disability
• vocational activation
• rehabilitation effectivenes