Background & Aims
People with limb amputation faces multiple physical, psychological, socioeconomic challenges in their life. Pain not only on the amputated limb but also on the joints on the unaffected limb or low back pain are common. Prevalence of psychological comorbidities, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, are high in the affected population. Impaired quality of life and long-term disability may persist and compromise social integrity and financial security of the patients. Among the aforementioned problems, chronic pain and mental health issues are known as the major attributable sources to the complexity of care for those with limb amputation.
Traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM) is widely used for various health problems including chronic pain. However, its role for caring amputees remains unclear. We aimed to map the evidence on the role of TCIM for caring limb amputees.
Methods
Three English databases (Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL), 3 non-English databases (KoreaMed, OASIS and CAJ) and a database for unpublished dissertation (PROQUEST) were searched from the inception to July 15, 2023. No language restriction was imposed. Search terms to retrieve the core concept of ‘limb amputation’ and ‘traditional, complementary and integrative medicine’ were formulated based on the pilot literature review and the experts’ opinion. All types of study design, including case reports, uncontrolled case series, non-randomised controlled studies and randomised trials, which reported the changes of post-amputation symptoms or conditions, such as pain, sleep disorder and psychological health, after the use of TCIM were deemed eligible. Animal studies were excluded. One researched screened the title and abstract of the entire hits and another researcher independently screened the 10% random sample of the hits. Full-text screening will be conducted independently by two researchers.
Results
Of 4,098 initial reports after de-duplication, 130 hits are currently selected for full-text screening. The screening is undergoing, and the studies finally eligible will be descriptively analysed. Information on population, intervention, comparator (if applicable), outcomes and study design will be tabulated. Other important information on the current status of evidence will be illustrated in the meeting as the analysis progresses.
Conclusions
The study will map the evidence on the role of TCIM for caring limb amputees in various settings. The review will inform future researches to assess the potential opportunities of TCIM for limb amputees who require complex needs of integrated care.
References
1. Gailey R, Allen K, Castles J, Kucharik J, Roeder M. Review of secondary physical conditions associated with lower-limb amputation and long-term prosthesis use. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2008;45(1):15-29.
2. MJE Neil. Pain after amputation. BJA Education. 2016;16(3):107-112.
Presenting Author
Kunhyung Kim
Poster Authors
Kahyun Seo
School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
Lead Author
Yoona Oh
PhD
School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
Lead Author
Seonhee Kim
Department of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
Lead Author
Na Hyeon Lee
Department of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
Lead Author
Younbyoung Chae
Department of Meridian and acupoints, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
Lead Author
Kunhyung Kim
PhD
School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
Lead Author
Topics
- Evidence, Clinical Trials, Systematic Review, Guidelines, and Implementation Science