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

To explore patient and clinician perceptions of blunt chest trauma management and recovery, when discharged directly home from the Emergency Department (ED).

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.

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.

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.