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Congenital thumb anomalies and the consequences for daily life : patients’ long-term experience after corrective surgery. A qualitative study

Carlsson, I. K. LU ; Dahlin, L. B. LU orcid and Rosberg, H. E. LU (2018) In Disability and Rehabilitation 40(1). p.69-75
Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore patients’ long-term experience of a congenital hand problem, and the consequences for daily life. Method: Fifteen participants with a median age 24 years (17–55 years), born with thumb hypoplasia/aplasia or thumb duplication were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Although the mobility and strength in the thumb/hand(s) varied within the group, hand function was generally described as good. Compensatory strategies were used to overcome practical obstacles. The emotional reactions to being visibly different from peers in early life varied from total acceptance and a sense of pride in being special, to deep... (More)

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore patients’ long-term experience of a congenital hand problem, and the consequences for daily life. Method: Fifteen participants with a median age 24 years (17–55 years), born with thumb hypoplasia/aplasia or thumb duplication were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Although the mobility and strength in the thumb/hand(s) varied within the group, hand function was generally described as good. Compensatory strategies were used to overcome practical obstacles. The emotional reactions to being visibly different from peers in early life varied from total acceptance and a sense of pride in being special, to deep distress and social withdrawal. Support from parents, teachers and others was important in facing emotional challenges and practical consequences. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals addressing appearance-related concerns which may have long-term emotional and social consequences for patients born with a thumb anomaly. Implications for RehabilitationAppearance-related concerns and need for emotional support should be fully considered throughout the rehabilitation process to prevent distress and social withdrawal.Effective problem-solving strategies, such as compensation, change in occupational performance and support from others may reduce activity limitations and participation restriction.

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Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
keywords
adaptation, hand disfigurement, pollicisation, qualitative research, thumb duplication, Thumb hypoplasia/aplasia
in
Disability and Rehabilitation
volume
40
issue
1
pages
69 - 75
publisher
Taylor & Francis
external identifiers
  • scopus:85002441908
  • pmid:27917688
  • wos:000415654900009
ISSN
0963-8288
DOI
10.1080/09638288.2016.1243159
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
9ec8781e-6c52-4ce7-86f3-5951a035f803
date added to LUP
2016-12-28 14:01:15
date last changed
2024-06-14 21:17:49
@article{9ec8781e-6c52-4ce7-86f3-5951a035f803,
  abstract     = {{<p>Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore patients’ long-term experience of a congenital hand problem, and the consequences for daily life. Method: Fifteen participants with a median age 24 years (17–55 years), born with thumb hypoplasia/aplasia or thumb duplication were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results: Although the mobility and strength in the thumb/hand(s) varied within the group, hand function was generally described as good. Compensatory strategies were used to overcome practical obstacles. The emotional reactions to being visibly different from peers in early life varied from total acceptance and a sense of pride in being special, to deep distress and social withdrawal. Support from parents, teachers and others was important in facing emotional challenges and practical consequences. Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of healthcare professionals addressing appearance-related concerns which may have long-term emotional and social consequences for patients born with a thumb anomaly. Implications for RehabilitationAppearance-related concerns and need for emotional support should be fully considered throughout the rehabilitation process to prevent distress and social withdrawal.Effective problem-solving strategies, such as compensation, change in occupational performance and support from others may reduce activity limitations and participation restriction.</p>}},
  author       = {{Carlsson, I. K. and Dahlin, L. B. and Rosberg, H. E.}},
  issn         = {{0963-8288}},
  keywords     = {{adaptation; hand disfigurement; pollicisation; qualitative research; thumb duplication; Thumb hypoplasia/aplasia}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{1}},
  pages        = {{69--75}},
  publisher    = {{Taylor & Francis}},
  series       = {{Disability and Rehabilitation}},
  title        = {{Congenital thumb anomalies and the consequences for daily life : patients’ long-term experience after corrective surgery. A qualitative study}},
  url          = {{https://lup.lub.lu.se/search/files/26334789/18789160.pdf}},
  doi          = {{10.1080/09638288.2016.1243159}},
  volume       = {{40}},
  year         = {{2018}},
}