Patient perceptions of multiple rib fracture rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An insight into patient perceptions during recovery and rehabilitation after traumatic multiple rib fractures.
IRAS ID
149748
Contact name
Jacqueline Claydon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle Upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
At Newcastle upon Tyne NHS Foundation Trust, a physiotherapy-led Trauma Specialist Clinic reviewed orthopaedic major trauma patients with rehabilitation prescriptions up to twelve months after injury. Data collected in a six month period identified that 18 of the 36 patients with multiple rib fractures reported problems shortness of breath, pain, or restricted movement limiting their usual function. None of these patients had received any intervention aimed specifically at improving their rib fracture symptoms after hospital discharge.
One difficulty facing rehabilitation professionals is the lack of evidence to guide good clinical practice. No evidence concerning the rehabilitation needs of patients following multiple rib fractures could be identified. This highlights the important need for rehabilitation-based research for NHS patients following this type of injury.
This qualitative research aims to explore the patient perspective of the current issues surrounding recovery and rehabilitation after traumatic multiple rib fractures. Participants will complete one-to-one interviews three to nine months after injury. Data analysis will identify key themes reflecting the experiences of patients recovering from multiple rib fractures. This valuable insight into the patient perspective will help clinicians and commissioners understand what rehabilitation these patients need and will contribute to developing appropriate interventions.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0507
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion