A system to promote diffusion of myoelectric prosthetic hands for trans-radial amputees provided by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Law

Abstract

Although the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Law has provided payment for myoelectric prosthetic hands for unilateral trans-radial amputees, utilization of this service is not widespread. To promote the diffusion of this service, we considered that it would be effective for medical institutions with core functions to dispatch support personnel to visit the community and provide support. We verified this notion by selecting three unilateral trans-radial amputees in the Chugoku region. We determined the criteria of dispatch, provided administration support, and provided technical support for training in prosthesis wearing to a medical institution with no experience in myoelectric prosthetic hands. As a result of receiving training to wear the prosthesis at the medical institution located in the community where the amputees live, the three subjects became practical users of myoelectric prosthetic hands. Since the fitting training was implemented without problem at the medical institution, the system tested in this study is potentially useful to promote diffusion of myoelectric prosthetic hands for amputees with an indication for this prosthesis.