Patient experiences and preferences during treatment and recovery of Lisfranc fractures: A qualitative interview study

N A C van den Boom*, I Douwes, M Poeze, S M A A Evers

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

AIM: To determine from a patient perspective what improves the quality of care and patient satisfaction during the treatment and recovery process of Lisfranc fractures and to reveal possible points for improvement in this process.

METHODS: We performed a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with patients treated for a Lisfranc fracture-dislocation in the Netherlands with either open reduction and internal fixation or primary arthrodesis, until data saturation was reached, focusing on the quality of care during treatment and recovery, from a patient perspective.

RESULTS: Data saturation was reached after interviewing 10 patients. The main themes emerging from the analysis were expectation management regarding the recovery period; communication with and between health care providers; information provided during consultations; and support during the recovery period. Participants expressed a need for improved provision of information about the different treatment options, the different kinds of pain that can arise, the expected duration of the recovery period, education on strong pain killers, likelihood of a second surgery, risks of osteoarthritis, risks of the surgery itself, allied health care and patient experiences. Participants mentioned the importance of good allied health care and a preference for starting allied health care as soon as possible. Insoles and compression socks were also appreciated by various participants. Finally, multiple patients saw a positive attitude on the part of the health care providers towards the recovery period as a key factor in recovery.

CONCLUSION: This study found that patients value more tailored approaches to the pre-and post-operative care program, more guidance regarding allied health care (physiotherapy), and a broader scope of available references and information for patients, both oral (during consultations and in informative videos) and written, such as brochures or evidence-based web pages and mobile platforms, which may be offered during consultations or when being discharged from the hospital.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4152-4158
Number of pages7
JournalInjury-International Journal of the Care of the Injured
Volume53
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022

Keywords

  • Humans
  • Foot Joints/surgery
  • Fractures, Bone/surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Arthrodesis
  • Qualitative Research
  • Pain
  • Patient Outcome Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome

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