We are PALS
PROMOTING AMPUTEE LIFE SKILLS

What is PALS?

PALS or Promoting Amputee Life Skills is a research study sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the University of Washington along with the Amputee Coalition of America are leading this study.

We recognize that people with limb loss have a lot to teach each other. Existing support groups that are located throughout the country help connect people with limb loss. The PALS study is evaluating the benefit of different types of support groups. We are asking members of approximately 50 amputee support groups nationwide to join the study. Groups in the study have been randomly assigned to attend either an 8-week self-management course or their usual support group meeting.

Who can participate in the study?

People who have been living with the loss of a limb for 6 months or longer and are 18-years or older are being asked to join the study.

What does study participation involve?

Participants in the study will be asked to either attend a 2-hour group meeting every week for 8 weeks (Self-Management Course) or attend a regular support group meeting once a month for 3 months:

Self-Management Course

Participants in the groups assigned to the 8-week self-management course will meet each week to learn skills that build on each individual’s strengths. A trained leader will lead the class sessions. Each week, the lesson contains information on a particular topic relevant to people with limb loss. Participants will work together as a group to learn and practice selfmanagement skills.

Regular Support Group

Participants in the comparison support groups will attend three regularly scheduled support group meetings. At the meetings, members will decide together what topics they would like to discuss and the format of the meeting.

Before the first meeting, all participants in both groups will be asked to complete a 30-minute telephone interview. The interview will include questions about your limb loss, and different areas of your life that may be impacted, such as work, family life, physical activities, and overall sense of well-being. Participants will also be asked to complete three follow-up 30-minute telephone interviews that will be scheduled at about 10 weeks, 6 months and 9 months after the first interview. You will receive $25 after completing each of these interviews, for a total of $100.

Your cooperation is important to the success of this research study and we hope you will decide to join us. However, it is your decision whether or not you will participate. If you decide not to join this study, this will not affect any care or services you may receive now or in the future.

Why should I participate?

We all want to lead active and independent lives. With your help, we believe that we can develop a program that will help other people with limb loss improve the quality of their life. You may benefit from this study personally by improving your knowledge and by learning how to overcome the barriers you may encounter in your everyday life.

Is the information I share confidential?

All information gathered in this study, including any discussions you may have during the group meetings and answers you provide during the telephone interviews, will be kept confidential and will be used for research purposes only.

Is there a group near me?

To find the closest group to you, please click here.

For more information:

If you would like to enroll in the study or have any questions, please contact:
Susan Tipton, Amputee Coalition of America
1-888-267-5669 ext. 8132
stipton@amputee-coalition.org