Cultura

Interprofessional Collaboration Between Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Prosthetist-Orthotists in PostAmputation Rehabilitation: Evidence from Saudi Healthcare Settings

VOLUME 21, 2024

The Role of Targeted Infra-popliteal Endovascular Angioplasty to Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Using the Angiosome Model: A Systematic Review

VOLUME 6, 2023

Khalid Ahmed Ali Alawi, Mohsen Ayed Shabab Albaqami, Muslem Fouad Abdullah Almuslem, Abdullah Mohammed Ali Altaher, Meshal Hamad Mohammed Alsaif, Farhan Motred Shawi Alanazi, Saud Hulayyil Samran Alanazi, Omar Saad Dubyan Alshammari

Abstract

Interprofessional collaboration has been increasingly recognized as essential for optimizing rehabilitation outcomes following lower limb amputation. This literature review synthesizes evidence on collaborative practice among physical therapists, occupational therapists, and prosthetist-orthotists in post-amputation rehabilitation, with particular attention to the Saudi Arabian healthcare context. A comprehensive review of peerreviewed literature reveals that effective interprofessional teamwork contributes to improved functional outcomes, enhanced prosthetic acceptance, and superior quality of life for individuals with limb loss. Physical therapists primarily address mobility, strength, and gait training; occupational therapists focus on activities of daily living and psychosocial adaptation; while prosthetist-orthotists ensure optimal prosthetic fit and function. In Saudi Arabia, interprofessional collaboration faces unique challenges including hierarchical professional structures, limited interprofessional education, and communication barriers. However, emerging evidence suggests growing recognition of collaborative care models. This review identifies critical gaps in research specific to Gulf healthcare systems and emphasizes the need for culturally adapted interprofessional frameworks, standardized outcome measures, and systematic implementation of team-based care protocols in Saudi rehabilitation settings

Keywords : interprofessional collaboration, amputation rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, Saudi Arabia.
Erin Saricilar
Lecture in accounting. University of Basrah, College of Administration and Economics, Department of Accounting.

Abstract

Atherosclerotic disease significantly impacts patients with type 2 diabetes, who often present with recalcitrant peripheral ulcers. The angiosome model of the foot presents an opportunity to perform direct angiosome-targeted endovascular interventions to maximise both wound healing and limb salvage. A systematic review was performed, with 17 studies included in the final review. Below-the-knee endovascular interventions present significant technical challenges, with technical success depending on the length of lesion being treated and the number of angiosomes that require treatment. Wound healing was significantly improved with direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty, as was limb salvage, with a significant increase in survival without major amputation. Indirect angioplasty, where the intervention is applied to collateral vessels to the angiosomes, yielded similar results to direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty. Applying the angiosome model of the foot in direct angiosome-targeted angioplasty improves outcomes for patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers in terms of primary wound healing, mean time for complete wound healing and major amputation-free survival.
Keywords : Diabetic foot ulcer, angiosome, angioplasty