The Exploration of the GWOT Combat Amputee's Experience With Longitudinal Care: A Qualitative Study.

This study examines the common and abnormal experiences of U.S. Marine combat amputees from the Global War on Terror (GWOT) regarding their injury mechanisms, perceptions of injury, and systems of care during recovery and rehabilitation. Through qualitative interviews with ten male Marines injured by blast mechanisms in Afghanistan (2010–2014), key themes emerged around support, systems of care, and mindset, which interact to influence the meta-themes of mental health and pain. Participants generally viewed military hospital care positively but expressed frustration with the Veterans Affairs (VA) system, and their perception of injury and adaptation to new lifestyles significantly affected recovery outcomes. The study highlights the complex interplay between mental health, pain management, and healthcare experiences but notes limitations in generalizability due to sample size, service branch, and gender homogeneity, suggesting further research is needed to improve care for this population.