NHS England Multi-Grip Prosthetic Hand Policy
NHS England Multi-Grip Prosthetic Hand Policy.
NHS England has reviewed the evidence supporting the use of multi-grip myoelectric controlled prosthetic hands for adults and children with upper limb amputation, or, congenital limb difference. This evidence found the use of such devices to be beneficial, resulting in the approval of funding for people who meet the specified criteria. This represents a huge change in the prosthetic industry and provides significant opportunities for those living with upper limb amputation or limb difference.
Ottobock's multi-grip prosthetic hands transform the lives and abilities of amputees worldwide, allowing you to perform simple tasks such as tying shoe laces, as well as giving you back control over your life and improving your self-esteem. The new NHS England multi-grip prosthetic hand policy introduced in August 2022, will now allow more amputees and those with congenital limb difference to experience these life-changing prosthetic devices.
Following an assessment, trial, and approval process, prosthetists can now routinely prescribe these life-changing prostheses to any patients that fit the listed criteria. You can read the policy in full below, or for more information, please contact us or you can speak to your prosthetist.
Download the policy.
How to apply.
Adults and children with either unilateral or bilateral upper limb amputation or limb difference of any level can apply to be fitted under this policy.
If you wish to be fitted with an NHS-funded prosthesis you should contact your local NHS Prosthetist, who along with your clinics MDT (Multi-disciplinary team), which can include your prosthetist, doctor, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist, will carry out an assessment to assess your suitability for a multi-grip prosthetic hand. They will consider factors such as your amputation or limb absence level, and current health and functional needs in a holistic manner to ensure you have the capacity to use a multi-grip prosthetic hand safely and functionally.
Once your suitability has been established, you will move into a 12-month training period where with the help of your prosthetist, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist, you will be fitted with and learn to use a single-grip prosthesis (such as the VariPlus Speed, Sensor Hand Speed or Greifer) in both clinic and day-to-day situations. During this training period goals appropriate to you will be set. On completion of the training period, the MDT will meet again to assess your function and suitability for using a multi-grip prosthesis.
Once you have successfully completed your 12-month training period, and your MDT has seen evidence of improved function and outcomes with a single-grip hand, you will be prescribed and fitted with a multi-grip device such as the bebionic or Michelangelo. After fitting you will receive ongoing supportive training as required.
If you have been using a single-grip prosthesis for 12 months or more, you too can be prescribed a multi-grip prostheses via this new policy. If this applies to you, we recommend speaking with your prosthetist directly.
Single-grip hands available from Ottobock.
If you have never used a hand or arm prosthesis, before you can be prescribed a multi-grip prosthetic hand, you will undergo a training phase with a single-grip hand prosthesis. Ottobock has a range of single-grip prosthetic devices that can be adapted to suit different residual limb lengths. Single-grip hands provide users with a good starting point and will give you the knowledge and skills needed to go on and use a multi-grip hand.
MyoHand VariPlus Speed
The MyoHand VariPlus Speed with quick-disconnect wrist combines the mechanical characteristics of the SensorHand Speed and the control variants of the System Electric Greifer DMC VariPlus. Thanks to the high gripping force (approx. 100 N) and speed (up to 300 mm/s), objects can be gripped quickly and precisely. A total of six different programmes can be selected and adjusted allowing optimum adaptation to your needs and abilities.
Key features
High gripping force and speed
Fast and precise gripping
Automatic shut-off electronics with integrated on-off switch
An integrated slip clutch makes opening possible in case of emergency
Multi-grip hands available from Ottobock.
Multi-grip prosthetic hands provide more versatility to users, allowing them to perform a wider range of tasks and activities, helping amputees and those with limb difference regain their independence and improve their quality of life.
bebionic.
The most lifelike prosthetic hand.
With 14 different grips and hand positions, the bebionic prosthetic hand allows you to precisely control the hand and grasp objects in a natural and coordinated way. This makes it easy to carry out day-to-day activities such as eating meals, carrying bags, opening doors and switching on lights, and typing.
Making movements even more natural.
To make movements of your hand more natural, you can combine any Ottobock single or multi-grip prosthetic hand with Ottobock's electric wrist rotation, MyoRotronic (provided it is equipped with a Quick Disconnect wrist). MyoRotronic enables proportional pronation (palm down) and supination (palm up) as well as the opening and closing of the hand, adding electric wrist rotation to your prosthesis can help reduce shoulder pain caused by long-term compensatory movements, it can also help to make arm movements appear more natural. A total of five different programmes can be selected by your prosthetist to allow for personalisation to your needs. MyoRotronic is available as part of our kits your prosthetist can prescribe via NHS England funding.
Downloads.
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Frequently asked questions.
Want to know more?
If you want to find out more about the NHS multi-grip prosthetic hand policy, learn what is available to you or have any other questions, please complete the form below and one of our experts will be in touch to answer your questions.