An exploration of the Psychological Impact of Auto-Amputation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Living with Loss: An exploration of the Psychological Impact of Auto-Amputation using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).
IRAS ID
356538
Contact name
Lee Hogan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 30 days
Research summary
Auto-amputation, which can be a medically planned procedure, is a process where a person loses a body part, usually fingers or toes, without having surgery: their fingers or toes spontaneously detach and fall off by themselves. This is often due to a lack of blood supply to the affected area and can be caused by infection, ischemic conditions or trauma. Some research has explored the medical consequences of this process compared with surgical amputation. This research has shown that auto-amputation can be beneficial for healing and may be a better alternative for people with medical conditions that increase surgical risk. Research has also shown that people who have a body part removed by surgery can experience challenges with their emotions, relationships, work, physical health and mental health. However, there is currently no research into how people who lose a body part from auto-amputation experience the event.
Within healthcare services some patients and staff have anecdotally reported that this process was scary and traumatic, and that the smell and appearance of the site impacts their mental health, wellbeing, rehabilitation and daily functioning. It is important to research this area to learn how to best support those who go through auto-amputation in the future, and have the opportunity to consider these findings when developing any communication or support guidance for professionals.
Anyone over 18 years old who has experienced auto-amputation is eligible to participate. Their auto-amputation process must not be ongoing, and it must have ended at least a minimum of 6 months prior to their participation.
Participants will complete one interview lasting 60-90 minutes where they will talk about their experience of auto-amputation, guided by the researcher. Interviews will either take place virtually, via videocall, or in-person at an NHS Wales site local to them in an approved Welsh Health Board.REC name
East of England - Cambridge South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/EE/0180
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion