132 - Prosthesis Acquisition for an Individual Experiencing Homelessness: A Case Report

Thursday, February 22, 2024

5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EDT

Presenting Author(s)

KY

Kerstin Yu, BS

Medical Student
Univeristy of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Weston, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

MM

Meenakkshy Manoharan, BA

Medical Student
Florida International University
Pinecrest, Florida, United States
LG

Lisa Gonzalez, MD, MPH

Physician
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States
EE

Emily Eachus, BSc

Medical Student
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
Miami, Florida, United States
JL

Joshua N. Laban, MS, OLY, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor
University of Miami Hospital
West Miami, Florida, United States

Case Diagnosis: Left lower extremity amputation, above-the-knee

Case Description: The patient is a 45-year-old undocumented male experiencing homelessness with a history of an above-the-knee left leg amputation. He is a parolee facing significant barriers in acquiring a prosthesis due to his immigration status and lack of health insurance, resulting in poor functionality and ability to perform activities of daily living, ultimately interfering with his ability to maintain his overall health. This case was managed by a community-based organization committed to providing healthcare services to local underserved populations and represents an integrative approach to develop a customized solution for prosthesis acquisition. In a literature review, there was found to be no prior publication of a case report involving a homeless individual with a lower limb amputation who has been able to obtain a prosthesis.

Discussions: This case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in addressing the complex needs of patients facing barriers to healthcare and the need for increased funding and flexible policies for prosthesis care and rehabilitation to improve quality of life. Integrated, patient-centered care in physiatry can improve health outcomes while promoting equity and accessibility in healthcare for the underserved population. The case demonstrates the significance of collaborative, patient-centered care in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). A multidisciplinary team involving social workers, healthcare professionals, medical students, non-profit organizations, lawyers, and prosthesis consultants worked together to address this patient's unique challenges. This approach can serve as a model for future professionals.

Conclusions: By taking on a patient-centered approach, physiatrists can tailor treatment plans to individual needs of patients and develop more comprehensive and effective treatment plans. This interdisciplinary approach in PM&R can improve health outcomes and promote greater efficacy and cost reduction in healthcare delivery.