Patient and clinician perceptions of blunt chest trauma management and recovery: a qualitative study

Ceri Battle, Martin O’Neill, Jane Barnett, Hayley Hutchings, Bethan Uzzell, Hannah Toghill, Claire O’Neill

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: To explore patient and clinician perceptions of blunt chest trauma management and recovery, when discharged directly home from the Emergency Department (ED). Methods: This was a qualitative study, completed in a trauma unit in Wales. Blunt chest trauma was defined as an isolated blunt injury to the chest wall, resulting in bruising or rib fractures. Data collection involved semi-structured telephone interviews and focus groups with patients and clinicians respectively. Data analysis was completed using reflexive thematic coding. Results: Twelve patient interviews and three focus groups (23 clinicians) were conducted. In the interviews, seven males and five females participated, with a mean age of 54 years (range 28–74). Clinicians included nurses, doctors, and therapists. Two main themes emerged; 1) the ED experience and 2) recovery once home; each with a number of sub-themes. Results highlighted the significant impact of pain on recovery, and that there is a disjuncture between organisational perspectives of clinicians, and the individual personal perspective of patients. Discussion: Recovery from blunt chest trauma for patients discharged directly home from the ED is a challenging and complex process. Protocol-driven care does not always lead to good patient experience, as it focuses primarily on hospital services and resources.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)618-624
Number of pages7
JournalDisability and Rehabilitation
Volume47
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 May 2024

Keywords

  • Blunt chest trauma
  • clinician perceptions
  • management
  • patient perceptions
  • recovery

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