Kurt Collier, CP, vice president of business development for Freedom
Innovations, shared the results from a comparative survey associated with the
Plié
Microprocessor Knee Joint — also known as the
Plié 2.0 — at the 2011 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
National Assembly in Las Vegas.
Freedom Innovations developed the questionnaire for patients who
transitioned from a previous
prosthetic knee to the Plié 2.0. The survey focused on
documenting patients’ exertion in walking, stumbles and confidence. Forty
Plié 2.0 users completed the outcomes survey structured to include
demographics, comparative assessments and open-ended reporting.
“We were attempting to identify what patients truly expected
outside of what we tell them with our marketing,” Collier told the
audience at the meeting. “After the survey, we identified outcomes that
would be beneficial to the entire industry.”
Patients received the end-user survey through their prosthetists. They
were asked to rate their Plié 2.0 compared with their prior prosthetic
knees in categories such as ease of walking, amount of stumbles and falls,
amount of walking and relative confidence outdoors and in crowded areas.
Patients were asked to disclose new activities that they were able to perform
with the new knee as well as any changes in reliance of upper extremity
assistive devices. They were also asked to identify the benefits and drawbacks
associated with the new technology, according to Collier.
The mean age of the respondents was 50 years and 80% were male.
Seventy-three percent of the respondents had a non-vascular amputation and 60%
were at least 5 years post-amputation. Nine of the 40 respondents had previous
experience using a microprocessor knee.
Of those nine, 78% reported easier walking with the Plié 2.0.
Results of the survey also indicated that patients had an easier time walking,
decreased stumbles and falls, walked more and increased their confidence in
walking outdoors and in crowds than with their previous knees. Seven
respondents, who reported a reliance on upper extremity devices, indicated a
decrease in this reliance, according to Collier.
“All 40 respondents found it easier to walk, which was what we were
hoping for,” Collier said. “The reported decrease in stumbles and
falls and increased confidence was expected, but it is still comforting for us
when users report this.”
More third-party payers are insisting on evidence-based outcomes data to
justify reimbursement. In Collier’s view, this end-user questionnaire
could accompany a bill for services from prosthetists to the third party payer
for justification. — by Anthony Calabro
For more information:
- Baty C, Collier K. Perceived outcomes associated with the
Plié. Presented at the 2011 American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
National Assembly. Sept. 19-22. Las Vegas.
