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UpperEx Navigators™
Since the start of the Peer Visitor Program at UpperEx, one message has come through loud and clear from the upper extremity amputees who access the program; Upper extremity amputees value the opportunity to talk to other upper extremity amputees.
Peer support does many things to help an amputee navigate the complex issues of body image, prosthetic choices, social interaction, and adaptive solutions to vocational and recreational challenges. A mentorship between a Peer Counselor and the recent amputee can provide the bridge to integrate the relationships between the amputee, prosthetist, therapist, doctor, employer, and family. Quite often the different disciplines involved approach the rehabilitation of the upper extremity amputee only from their unique perspective without a working knowledge of the “big picture”. The Peer Counselor can bring life experience to the care team that provides insight into the functional complexities of living with an upper extremity amputation.
What we are proposing is a relationship between UpperEx and your organization that would bring the medical rehabilitation team, prosthetist, the new amputee, and the Peer Counselor together early enough in the rehabilitation of the patient to allow for a more integrated and informed process and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. We can provide assistance in these and many other ways:
1. The UpperEx Navigator Counselor can be present for the initial evaluation and prosthetic needs assessment.
- Prosthetic options could be presented and hands on demonstrations would be done live, not simply discussed.
- Prosthetist, client, and Navigator Counselor could work in concert to determine the most appropriate prosthetic device(s) and method of suspension and control.
- Psycho-social concerns could be addressed.
- Family members’ questions and concerns could be discussed.
- Review importance of overall fitness, prosthetic hygiene, and skin integrity.
- Discuss phantom pain management strategies.
2. The UpperEx Navigator Counselor can be present for the initial fitting and training session.
- Practice donning, doffing, and operation.
- Concentrate on specific activity training (tying shoes, opening jars, swinging a golf club, etc.)
- Discuss adaptive solutions.
- Address workplace issues.
- Review prosthetic hygiene.
- Stress importance of skin inspection and care.
- Weekly follow up with phone calls (6 weeks).
3. Organize group events.
- Meet and greet sessions.
- Prosthetic option and evaluation clinics.
- Sporting events.
- Social outings.
- Peer support meetings.
- Attend conferences and trade shows.
4. Prosthetic device evaluation.
- UpperEx Navigator Counselors will trial any new prosthetic device.
- Detailed evaluation logs will be kept throughout the trial period.
This is just a small piece of what this program can accomplish.We can work together to significantly increase the level of customer service and satisfaction and start a new trend in quality health care.
To find out more about this innovative program and how you and your organization can be involved please email us today.