Improving prosthetic services for individuals with lower limb absence (LLA) is often hindered by a lack of standardised data and outcome measures. To address this, the COMPASS (Consensus of Outcome Measures for Prosthetic and Amputation Services) and LEAD (Lower Extremity Amputation Dataset) tools were developed to provide a unified approach to measuring clinical outcomes and service effectiveness.
The COMPASS identifies six key outcome measures—three performance-based and three patient-reported—to be used globally in clinical and research settings. These tools were selected through rigorous evidence reviews and a global consensus process involving clinicians, users, researchers, and policymakers. The LEAD complements COMPASS by defining a core dataset for individuals with LLA, supporting routine data collection for policy, management, and clinical improvement.
Together, COMPASS and LEAD aim to enable evidence-based decision-making, improve service quality, and strengthen investment cases for prosthetics and rehabilitation services worldwide.
