Adolescent and Caregiver Perspectives on Living With a Limb Fracture: A Qualitative Study. Pediatr Emerg Care 2023 Aug 01;39(8):589-594
Date
03/04/2023Pubmed ID
36867509DOI
10.1097/PEC.0000000000002922Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85166383199 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 1 CitationAbstract
BACKGROUND: Fractures occur in up to half of children by age 16 years. After initial emergency care for a fracture, function is universally impaired in children, and impacts extend to the immediate family. Knowledge of expected functional limitations is key to providing proper discharge instructions and anticipatory guidance to families.
OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to understand how changes in functional ability impact youth with fractures.
METHODS: We conducted individual, semistructured interviews from June 2019 to November 2020 with adolescents and their caregivers 7 to 14 days following their initial visit to a pediatric emergency department. We used qualitative content analysis methodology; recruitment proceeded until thematic saturation was achieved. Coding and analysis were concurrent with recruitment and interviews. The interview script was modified in an iterative process, to reflect emerging themes.
RESULTS: Twenty-nine interviews were completed. The most frequently affected functions were ( a ) showering and hygiene (requiring the most caregiver support), ( b ) sleep (due to pain and cast-related discomfort), and ( c ) exclusion from sports/activities. Many adolescents experienced disruptions to social activities and gatherings. Youth valued independence and took more time to complete tasks, regardless of inconvenience. Both adolescents and caregivers reported feelings of frustration from day-to-day impacts of the injury. Generally, caregivers' perspectives were in keeping with the experiences that adolescents described for themselves. Notable family impacts included "sibling burden," or conflicts that arose when a sibling had to take on extra chores/tasks.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, caregivers' perspectives were congruent with the self-described experiences of adolescents. Key messages for optimized discharge instructions include pain and sleep management, allowing extra time to complete tasks independently, considering impact on siblings, preparing for changes in activities and social dynamics, and normalizing frustration. These themes highlight an opportunity to better tailor discharge instructions for adolescents with fractures.
Author List
Bharadia M, Golden-Plotnik S, van Manen M, Sivakumar M, Drendel AL, Poonai N, Moir M, Ali SAuthor
Amy L. Drendel DO Interim Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentCaregivers
Child
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency Service, Hospital
Emotions
Humans
Patient Discharge
Qualitative Research
