Perceptions of adults with lower limb external fixation devices
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring perceptions of adults with lower limb external fixation devices: a mixed methods study.
IRAS ID
204934
Contact name
Judy Purton
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull and East Yorkshire Research and Development Department
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 17 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to explore how adults with external fixations devices are affected by issues related to body image and self-esteem. The physiological side to treatment and recovery has been reasonably documented in relation to patients with external fixation however what appears to be overlooked is the psychological effects of living with this intrusive frame. It is clear that patients are affected by psychological issues but it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand how and why.
The study will aim to use 5-8 participants who have lower limb external fixations resulting from trauma. Potential participants who meet the specific inclusion criteria will be identified and recruited by the researcher after discussion with the gatekeeper of the study.
This study will conduct two standardised psychometric measures/ questionnaires (The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and The Body Image Disturbance Questionnaire) in order to assess any changes in self-esteem or body image. To complement this data the participants will then be asked to complete a semi-structured interview which will aim to last around 20-40 minutes. The purpose of this interview is to build on previous data and to gather a wider insight into how these issues affect a patient and also what are the primary causes of these psychological issues. Both the questionnaires and the interview will be carried out in the Outpatients Fracture Clinic at Hull Royal Infirmary in a private room. Each interview will be audio recorded and transcribed verbatim; following this they will be coded and further analysed for themes. In addition, the questionnaires will be analysed descriptively as there will not be enough participants for meaningful statistical analysis.
REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1896
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion