It dates back to the 1800s in Paris, France. There, the largest insane asylum existed and began staffing recovered patients. This was deemed to be an important contribution to the healing process. The largest and longest running peer support group was founded in 1935 in Akron, OH named Alcoholics Anonymous CITE??. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was successful in dealing mental health for individuals suffering with substance and drug abuse contributed to organizational developments dedicated to patients with chronic conditions. Statistics predict the number of amputation citizens in the United States will have increased by 1.6 million in 2050. Patient’s undergoing a major limb amputation is at risk for secondary complications such as pain and depression. Research suggests that interventions (pre-operative and post-operative), such as support groups and individual peer support, can be substantially beneficial to the patient’s mental health, as defined in AA. The goal of this literature review is to recommend a cost effective, evidence based clinical practice for health professionals to properly care for the amputee patient psychologically postoperatively, with the limited research available *compared to the physical rehabilitation medical …show more content…
Nursing staff and physicians also found the additional emotional assistance to be beneficial as well. Researchers concluded that group practices are justified to continue at this time. During a 30-day controlled study case related to amputations due to cancer, majority of patients (92%) found individual peer visits to positively enhance their overall perspective significantly. In another study related to educational and psychological issues of amputees, all patients found 1-hour group sessions helpful. The study also suggested that past amputees may have found themselves useful as a counselor, since some patients came to almost every meeting post hospitalization. After completion of the study, researchers agreed that possible long-term follow up with participants could greater influence their