Rehabilitation and transition in military veterans after limb-loss.

PURPOSE: This study aims to explore the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of veterans who have experienced limb-loss and to ascertain the factors that contribute to the ability of veterans to maintain their independence at various stages in their lives. METHODS: Sixty two life-story interviews were conducted with 32 veterans (aged between 40 and 95) who had experienced limb-loss either during or after military service. RESULTS: Three overarching superordinate themes and related sub-themes were generated from a detailed Framework Analysis "Barriers to transition" describes issues related to employment, legal support and compensation, stigma and loss of identity. "Disparity of care" highlights the issues related to military and civilian care and prosthetics service user experience. The final superordinate theme, "Enduring challenge of limb loss," considers stoicism, dealing with pain, mobility, physical isolation and social networks. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes offer an opportunity to shape future health and social care policy around the requirements of veterans who have experienced limb-loss by understanding the complexity, and ascertaining the factors that contribute to, maintaining long-term independence.Implication for RehabilitationThe outcomes offer an opportunity to shape future health and social care policy around the requirements of veterans who have experienced limb-loss by understanding the complexity, and ascertaining the factors that contribute to rehabilitation and maintaining long-term independence.

Role of the military community mental health nurse.

AIM: To understand the role and effect of a community mental health nurse (CMHN) deployed to work with military personnel during sea-based operations. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted to ascertain Royal Navy aircraft carrier military unit commanders' perceptions and experiences of the CMHN's role. FINDINGS: Three mutually inclusive components are necessary to ensure successful integration of the CMHN: familiarity, trust and credibility. CONCLUSION: For CMHNs to function successfully and provide mental health care to sea-based military personnel, they need to demonstrate familiarity, trust and credibility. This will enhance uptake of mental health services among military personnel and ensure they are fit for service.