Helping people make more informed decisions about partial foot amputation due to peripheral arterial disease
Amputation Decision Aid
The Amputation Decision Aid is a resource written specifically for people facing the prospect of partial foot amputation due to peripheral vascular disease. High-quality decision aids include unbiased information about the different options as well as evidence about the likely outcomes and risks. Armed with good information, we hope to empower people to be active participants in decisions about their healthcare.
“We want to fundamentally change the way decisions are made about amputation surgery.
We want to ensure people have access to meaningful conversations with a health provider; conversations that include accurate and unbiased information about their treatment options, the likely outcomes, as well as the risks.
We want to see people supported as they deliberate on such a difficult decision.
Only then can people make truly informed decisions about amputation surgery.”
Michael Dillon, PhD. Stefania Fatone, PhD. Matthew Quigley, MCPO(Hons).
Amputation Discussion Guide
The Amputation Discussion Guide is written specifically for healthcare professionals. It includes up-to-date research evidence and example conversation starters to facilitate meaningful conversations tailored to the needs of each individual patient. The Amputation Discussion Guide is a companion to the Amputation Decision Aid. Both resources include the same information to help ensure everyone is on the same page.
“For the clinician staff guiding the patient as to what surgical outcomes they can expect: give them the full options. Be prepared to provide a whole host of options and choice. You need to listen. Give the facts. Give them time to contemplate if it is at all feasible. Do not expect them to choose the option that you would choose. Be prepared that whatever the decision is for that person, it needs to be their decision.”
Samantha - reflecting on her experience of partial foot amputation
Training
Given our desire to fundamentally change the that way people have conversations about amputation surgery, we recognise just how important it is that people know how to use the resources we’ve developed.
If you’re wanting to incorporate the Amputation Decision Aid and Discussion Guide into your day-to-day clinical practice, we encourage you to watch our suite of training videos. Each video is just a few minutes long so you can easily view them as your time allows.
