Browsing by Person "Mortimer, C. M."

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A focus group study of health professionals? views on phantom sensation, phantom pain and the need for patient information
(Elsevier, 2004-08) Mortimer, C. M.; MacDonald, R. J. M.; Martin, D. J.; McMillan, Ian R.; Ravey, J.; Steedman, W. M.
Focus groups with 32 health professionals from pre- and post-amputation care in central Scotland were used to explore perceptions of phantom sensation and pain, and current practice and potential improvements to patient information. Findings were compared to our parallel study of patients' experiences of phantom phenomena and information needs. Professionals' perceptions of phantom phenomena did not always match patient experiences: few professionals were fully aware of the nature, or the problems associated with phantom pain. There was uncertainty about who provided information and reported information was inconsistent and only weakly grounded in theory and mechanism-based management. Whilst there was awareness of the benefits of information, content, mode of delivery and co-ordination were all identified as areas for improvement. Our findings suggest that the information given to patients on phantom phenomena is inconsistent and insufficient. Possible solutions are the development of minimum standards of information and specifically targeted interprofessional education.
Patient information on phantom limb pain: a focus group study of patient experiences, perceptions and opinions
(Oxford University Press, 2002-06) Mortimer, C. M.; Steedman, W. M.; McMillan, Ian R.; Martin, D. J.; Ravey, J.
Educating patients about their condition is regarded as a fundamental step in pain management. This study used focus groups with patients to explore their experiences and perceptions of the information on phantom pain that they received before and after amputation, and their views on improving this information. Thirty-one patients with a lower limb amputation attended one of seven focus groups. The majority reported phantom pain although there were individual variations in character, severity and persistence. There were wide variations in what people were told from occasional reports of good information to instances of people reporting little or no information from professionals. There were strong feelings that information should be given before or soon after amputation with a preference for verbal one-to-one explanations. Professionals, particularly nurses and surgeons, were regarded as the best source of information, although peer support was seen to be important. These findings indicate that people require timely up-to-date information on phantom pain which sensitively addresses the variability of the experience and provides the foundation for ongoing pain management. We propose that the information process could be improved by ensuring that professionals use standard information for patients derived from purposefully written sections in national guidelines.
Phantom Pain II: Patients' Experiences, Beliefs and Knowledge
(Mark Allen Publishing LTD, 1998-07-01) Mortimer, C. M.; Steedman, W. M.; McMillan, Ian R.; Ravey, J.
This paper reports a qualitative interview study conducted with patients attending a central limb fitting service, which aimed to examine patients' experiences of phantom sensation and phantom pain, and their perceptions of the relevant support and information received during rehabilitation. The results suggest that the level of information is inconsistent and may be insufficient. Further studies need to be conducted with both patients and professionals to establish how rehabilitation services can address this unmet patient need.
Phantom pain: Are professionals providing patients with adequate information?
(2000) Mortimer, C. M.; Steedman, W. M.; McMillan, Ian R.
Phantom Sensation and Phantom Pain I: An Overview of the Literature
(Mark Allen Publishing LTD, 1998-06-01) Mortimer, C. M.; Steedman, W. M.; McMillan, Ian R.; Ravey, J.
This article, the first of two, reviews the literature relating to patients' experiences of phantom sensation and phantom pain and looks at recommendations for education and support during rehabilitation. In the past the lack of a firm physiological explanation led health-care professionals to assume a psychological origin. Recent research has established that phantom phenomena have a neurophysiological basis involving a complex interaction of peripheral and central mechanisms. The literature now supports preoperative or early postoperative education about the likely occurrence and basis of phantom phenomena as an effective step in the management of this complex problem. However, there is a lack of published guidelines which are readily available to professionals working in the rehabilitation of amputees.