'Leaving the Door Open': Perspectives on Decision-Making for Non-Emergency Diabetes-Related Amputation.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Having a lower extremity amputation is a life-changing decision for people living with a diabetes-related foot ulcer. Although previous research has described both positive and negative lifestyle and function outcomes of diabetes-related amputations, limited research has been conducted on the decision-making processes leading up to the amputation. This study aimed to explore the perspectives of persons, healthcare practitioners and experts (including academics and specialists) on decision-making for people with a diabetes-related foot ulcer who may require a non-emergency amputation.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews enabled people to share their thought processes when making decisions for amputation. Twenty-six participant

SUBMITTER: Ong EKM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11424879 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature