A study on positive impact of intensive psychological counseling on psychological well-being of type 2 diabetic patients undergoing amputation

Amputation is one of the most dreadful complications in diabetes. Diabetic amputees are at elevated risk of psychological distress due to their disability. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of intensive counseling on psychological outcomes among type 2 diabetic patients undergoing amputation. The study was conducted among 62 consecutive patients admitted in the diabetic centre and who underwent an amputation. These patients were randomly assigned to a routine counseling group (RCG-26) and intensive counseling group (ICG-36). World Health Quality of Life (WHQOL) was administered individually to all the patients based on inclusion criteria. In the RCG group, psychological therapy was given before amputation. For patients in the ICG group, psychological therapy was given before and every day after amputation, till the day of discharge. WHQOL questionnaire scores together with the demographic details were also recorded accordingly. The finding highlighted that the overall quality of the life improves in ICG group in both BKA and Toe amputation, as compared to the RCG group. ICG has better impact on QOL than RCG in amputation patients. Thus, intensive assessment and intervention has to be included as part of routine management among patients with diabetes when they undergo a surgical amputation. Key words: Amputation, quality of life, psychological counseling, intensive counseling.