‘I’ve got to be independent’: Older peoples’ views on recovery following road injury: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Mild to moderate severity road injury in people of working age is associated with limited recovery. Less is known about people who sustain road injury in older age. This study explored perspectives, and factors related to recovery and health-related quality of life following road injury in older age. Methods: A qualitative study using content analysis was undertaken. Participants aged 65 or more years were purposively selected from a larger inception cohort study of health outcomes following mild to moderate severity road injury. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken at approximately 12 or 24 months after injury. Content analysis was used to code and analyse the data, with methodological rigour obtained by double-coding and discussing a portion of the data to reach consensus. Results were reported using the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). Results: Nineteen participants were invited to participate in the study, with thematic saturation reached after the 12 th interview. Recovery experiences were diverse. Five main themes were identified: recovery is regaining independence; injury & disability in older age; the burden of non-obvious disability; the importance of support, and positive personal approaches. Key facilitators of recovery were regaining independence; support from family and friends, and positive personal approaches. Key barriers were threats to independence; passive coping behaviours; non-obvious disabilities (chronic pain, psychological impacts), and for some, a reluctance to raise ongoing issues with General Practitioners. Threats to independence, especially not driving and self-care, appeared to have a more profound effect on recovery than physical functioning. Conclusion: Older people view injury as a threat to independent functioning. This is somewhat different to what younger people report. Regaining independence is key to older peoples’ recovery and health-related quality of life following road injury, and should be a key consideration for health professionals, services and supports working with this unique cohort. Greater efforts to help older people regain independence following road injury are needed and can be facilitated by health professionals and appropriate service provision.