To improve transition of people with lower limb amputation from hospital to living in the community

Research has shown that people with a new lower limb amputation find it challenging to adapt to living in their community after they are discharged home from hospital. During rehabilitation, positive lifestyle changes are made through diet, exercise, ceasing smoking, and management of chronic diseases, which has been shown to be difficult to maintain when going back to their previous life settings.

The Churchill Fellowship enabled visits to 14 rehabilitation sites, in 8 countries, to compare rehabilitation programs, gain some understanding of different health funding models, to bring the best ideas back to implement in Australia. A variety of strategies were observed to better prepare people with lower limb amputation for discharge home from hospital, as well as opportunities to strengthen support systems once they return to living in the community.

The long-term goal is to develop a specialised transition program to support people with lower limb amputation, as they move from hospital to home.

This program would:

• Support positive lifestyle changes that were made during hospital stay.
• Assist with community access for physical activity and exercise options.
• Assist with problem solving transport options.
• Psychological and social support with the adjustment to change in body image.
• Utilise peer benefits of accountability and social support.
• General health support.