Patient-identified information and communication needs in the context of major trauma

Abstract

BackgroundNavigating complex health care systems during the multiple phases of recovery following major trauma entails many challenges for injured patients. Patients’ experiences communicating with health professionals are of particular importance in this context. The aim of this study was to explore seriously injured patients’ perceptions of communication with and information provided by health professionals in their first 3-years following injury.MethodsA qualitative study designed was used, nested within a population-based longitudinal cohort study. Semi-structured telephone interviews were undertaken with 65 major trauma patients, aged 17 years and older at the time of injury, identified through purposive sampling from the Victorian State Trauma Registry. A detailed thematic analysis was undertaken using a framework approach.ResultsMany seriously injured patients faced barriers to communication with health professionals in the hospital, rehabilitation and in the community settings. Key themes related to limited contact with health professionals, insufficient information provision, and challenges with information coordination. Communication difficulties were particularly apparent when many health professionals were involved in patient care, or when patients transitioned from hospital to rehabilitation or to the community. Difficulties in patient-health professional engagement compromised communication and exchange of information particularly at transitions of care, e.g., discharge from hospital. Conversely, positive attributes displayed by health professionals such as active discussion, clear language, listening and an empathetic manner, all facilitated effective communication. Most patients preferred communication consistent with patient-centred approaches, and the use of multiple modes to communicate information.ConclusionsThe communication and information needs of seriously injured patients were inconsistently met over the course of their recovery continuum. To assist patients along their recovery trajectories, patient-centred communication approaches and considerations for environmental and patients’ health literacy are recommended. Additionally, assistance with information coordination and comprehensive multimodal information provision should be available for injured patients.

Traumatic injury survivors’ perceptions of their future: a longitudinal qualitative study

“…Future long-term follow-up studies are needed to identify the outcomes of these injuries in order to provide more accurate predictions. To optimise outcomes after injury, the findings of this study and others highlight the need for information about personalised coping strategies, preventing secondary conditions, and how to safely improve strength and fitness [66].…”

“…Access to appropriate information can promote a sense of security and be a source of empowerment for injured people [65]. However, people with adequate health literacy, have fewer problems accessing information and supports [66,67,68,69]. As low health literacy and barriers to accessing information are common in this patient population [66,70,71], how and what information is communicated should be carefully consider for its impact on coping and adaptation.…”

“…However, people with adequate health literacy, have fewer problems accessing information and supports [66,67,68,69]. As low health literacy and barriers to accessing information are common in this patient population [66,70,71], how and what information is communicated should be carefully consider for its impact on coping and adaptation. Given little evidenced-based information exists about injury and the development of arthritis, providing information about a problem that might not eventuate could unnecessarily raise anxiety levels and lower recovery expectations [72].…”

Psychiatrists’ Attitude to the Psychiatrist’s Style of Dressing and Addressing: A Cross -Sectional Study

“…Likewise, inability of physicians to set up a good connection has been the cause of many unsuccessful medical care cases. There are different methods of interactions during a clinical encounter which may determine the patient-physician relationship [1,2]. During the earliest consultation a patient will develop a first impression of the physician through a verbal and nonverbal communication.…”

“…During the earliest consultation a patient will develop a first impression of the physician through a verbal and nonverbal communication. Professional presentation of a physician, proficiency and caring about confidentiality issues all contribute to create a right link between a physician and a patient (2,4). While the physician starts to build up trust, patient's impression is going to grow as well.…”