Psychoprosthetics

Abstract

Psychoprosthetics is the study of the psychological aspects of prosthetic use and of rehabilitative processes in those conditions that require the use of prosthetic devices. For people with limb loss, the fitting of a prosthesis can give rise to a variety of issues from functional rehabilitation to quality of life, well-being, participation in society and cosmetic satisfaction. As prosthetic technology continues to become more sophisticated and advanced, there is an onus on those who work with prosthetic users, to be aware of the impact of prosthetics on the ways in which people understand and construct their realities and their attempts to cope with and relate to them. However, despite the broad and increasing interest in psychosocial aspects of prosthetic use and rehabilitation, to date there has not been a complete volume on the topic - this book now addresses that need. Psychoprosthetics brings together the most recent and exciting research and knowledge in this new field into one easily accessible volume. It contributes to a better understanding of the complex human dynamics involved in prosthetic use and provides an analysis of the practice, research and theory in the field of psychoprosthetics. Written by some of the leading experts to the field, this informative and cutting-edge text will be of relevance to students, practitioners and researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including prosthetics and orthotics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation medicine, engineering, nursing and psychology. © Springer-Verlag London Limited 2008.