Affiliations: [a] Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Oxford, UK | [b] Centre for Product Design and Manufacturing, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Mark S. Thompson, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, Parks Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PJ, UK. Tel.: +44 1865 737845; E-mail:mark.thompson@eng.ox.ac.uk
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2013 alone, ∼ 5000 new cases of Upper limb (UL)
loss in India were reported. This segment has been poorly understood, with
limited or no access to quality prosthetic rehabilitative care. Furthermore,
very few studies have been carried out to capture their needs and concerns. OBJECTIVE: To understand demographics and needs of UL prosthesis
users belonging to low- and middle-income settings in India. Additionally,
this study focuses at gaining insights on patient satisfaction levels,
patterns of wear, challenges faced, patient priorities, and affordability. METHODS: The questionnaire-based survey data (n = 60) were
acquired through telephone for 53 patients and direct interview for 7
patients and the replies were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study reveals that currently available prosthetic arms
are not enabling the users to achieve desired functional and satisfaction
levels. For a prosthetic UL to be affordable in this context, a price less
than Indian Rupee (INR) 20,000 with an instalment mode of payment is
preferred. CONCLUSIONS: Major design priorities of the patients are
functionality, comfort, and durability. Further, providing a subsidy,
minimising delays in limb provision and fitting could maximise long-term
prosthetic use and enable a much greater rate of acceptance.
