Overcoming short-term disability: A pathway undertaken by adults undergoing limb reconstruction procedures

Summary 

Limb reconstruction involves a long and complicated treatment process which requires that patients undergo intensive rehabilitation to ensure they can manage the requirements of the treatment process effectively. There is little nursing literature that enables the health-care professional to understand the experience of the client during the period after discharge.

This qualitative study using grounded theory methodology was undertaken to explore limb reconstruction from the patient’s perspective. It was found that the participants underwent a process that helped them come to terms with the nature of the short-term disability imposed upon them by the treatment program.

Keywords: Qualitative research, Grounded theory, Limb reconstruction, Disability