Osseointegration and self-management decision making.

PURPOSE: This study explores how individuals living with limb osseointegration (OI) make decisions about their self-management, including how they seek, evaluate, and apply health information.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, ten participants with OI from Canada, the United States, and Australia were interviewed via Zoom. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative methods to identify themes and develop a theory of self-management decision-making.

RESULTS

Participants described a multifaceted decision-making process across four stages of their OI journey: deciding to undergo OI, managing early post-operative care, addressing complications, and establishing daily routines. The process involved five steps: seeking information, deciding what to use, trying it out, validating its effectiveness, and sharing with peers. Online communities played a significant role in information exchange, though concerns about misinformation were noted. Participants demonstrated high levels of self-advocacy and critical health literacy, often compensating for limited provider knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the need for decision aids, tailored self-management programs, and healthcare provider engagement with online communities. Supporting critical health literacy and peer networks can enhance rehabilitation outcomes for individuals with OI.