Prosthetic Care Teams: What to Expect at South Beach Prosthetics

Introduction
What is a prosthetic care team?
A prosthetic care team is a group of healthcare professionals
who work together to provide care to patients with amputations. The team
typically includes a director of patient care, an amputee consultant, a
licensed prosthetist, and other support staff, such as physical therapists,
occupational therapists, and social workers.
Why are prosthetic care teams important?
Prosthetic care teams are important because they provide
comprehensive care that addresses all of the patient's needs. The team can help
the patient to choose the right prosthesis, learn how to use it, and adjust to
their new lifestyle. The team can also monitor the patient's progress and make
adjustments to the care plan as needed.
What to expect when working with a prosthetic care team
When you work with a prosthetic care team, you can expect to
receive personalized care and support from a team of experienced professionals.
The team will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your individual
needs and goals. The team will also provide you with training and education on
how to use your prosthesis safely and effectively.
Here is a general overview of what you can expect when working with a prosthetic care team:
¢ Initial assessment: The team will begin by assessing your
individual needs and goals. This may include conducting a physical examination,
asking you about your lifestyle, and discussing your expectations for
rehabilitation.
¢ Prosthesis selection: The team will help you to choose the
right prosthesis for your needs. They will consider factors such as your level
of activity, your lifestyle, and your budget.
¢ Prosthesis fitting and adjustment: The team will fit and
adjust your prosthesis to ensure that it is comfortable and functional. They
may also need to make adjustments to your prosthesis as you progress in your
rehabilitation.
¢ Prosthesis training: The team will teach you how to use your
prosthesis safely and effectively. This may include teaching you how to walk,
dress, and perform other activities of daily living with your prosthesis.
¢ Rehabilitation: The team will work with you to develop a
rehabilitation plan to help you regain your strength, mobility, and
independence. This may include working with a physical therapist, occupational
therapist, or other healthcare professionals.
¢ Ongoing support: The team will continue to provide you with
support and guidance as you adjust to your new life with a prosthesis. They may
also offer support groups and other resources to help you connect with other
people who have amputations.
Members of a prosthetic care team
A typical prosthetic care team includes the following members:
¢ Director of Patient Care: The director of patient care
oversees the entire care process and ensures that the patient's needs are met.
The director also serves as a liaison between the patient and other members of
the healthcare team.
¢ Amputee Consultant: The amputee consultant educates the
patient about amputation and prosthetics and helps them to choose the right
prosthesis. The consultant also provides emotional support and encouragement to
the patient.
¢ Licensed Prosthetist: The licensed prosthetist designs,
fabricates, and fits the patient's prosthesis. The prosthetist also works with
the patient to ensure that the prosthesis is comfortable and functional.
¢ Other support staff: Other members of the prosthetic care
team may include physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social
workers. These professionals provide support and rehabilitation to the patient
to help them learn how to use their new prosthesis and adjust to their new
lifestyle.
Roles of each member of the prosthetic care team
Each member of the prosthetic care team plays a vital role
in the patient's care. Here is a brief overview of the roles of each team
member:
¢ Director of Patient Care: The director of patient care is
responsible for overseeing the entire care process. The director develops a
personalized care plan for the patient and coordinates the services of other
members of the team. The director also serves as the patient's primary contact
person and provides support and guidance throughout the care process.
¢ Amputee Consultant: The amputee consultant provides
education and support to the patient and their family. The consultant can help
the patient to learn about amputation, prosthetics, and the adjustment process.
The consultant can also provide emotional support and encouragement to the
patient.
¢ Licensed Prosthetist: The licensed prosthetist is
responsible for designing, fabricating, and fitting the patient's prosthesis.
The prosthetist works closely with the patient to ensure that the prosthesis is
comfortable, functional and meets the patient's individual needs. The
prosthetist also provides instructions on how to use and care for the
prosthesis.
¢ Other support staff: Other members of the prosthetic care
team, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, and social workers,
provide support and rehabilitation to the patient. Physical therapists can help
the patient to strengthen their muscles and improve their
How a prosthetic care team works together
The prosthetic care team collaborates to develop and
implement a personalized care plan for each patient. The team meets regularly
to discuss the patient's progress and make adjustments to the care plan as
needed. The team also works closely with the patient and their family to ensure they are informed and involved in the care process.
Here are some examples of how the prosthetic care team works
together:
¢ The director of patient care may coordinate the services of
other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, such as
physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
¢ The amputee consultant may provide the patient with
education and support on a variety of topics, such as amputation, prosthetics,
and the adjustment process.
¢ The licensed prosthetist may work with the patient to
design, fabricate, and fit a custom prosthesis that meets the patient's
individual needs.
¢ The physical therapist may help the patient to strengthen
their muscles, improve their range of motion, and learn how to walk and perform
other activities of daily living with their prosthesis.
¢ The occupational therapist may help the patient to adapt
their home and workplace to meet their needs with their prosthesis.
¢ The social worker may provide the patient with emotional
support and resources to help them cope with the adjustment to life with a
prosthesis.
Benefits of working with a prosthetic care team
There are many benefits to working with a prosthetic care
team. Here are just a few:
¢ Comprehensive care: The prosthetic care team provides
comprehensive care that addresses all of the patient's needs, from physical and
emotional support to rehabilitation and education.
¢ Personalized care: The team develops a personalized care
plan for each patient based on their individual needs and goals.
¢ Support and education: The team provides the patient and
their family with support and education throughout the care process.
¢ Coordination of care: The team coordinates the services of
other healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, such as
physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists.
Conclusion
Working with a prosthetic care team can be essential for
patients who are adjusting to life with an amputation. The team can provide
comprehensive care, support, and education to help patients achieve their
goals. If you are considering getting a prosthesis, we encourage you to contact
South Beach Prosthetics. We would be happy to discuss your individual needs and
develop a personalized care plan to help you achieve your goals.