Dataset Information

The impact of injury: The experiences of children and families after a child's traumatic injury.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore the experiences of children and families after a child's traumatic injury (Injury Severity Score >8).

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

Two children's major trauma centres in England.

Participants

32 participants: 13 children with traumatic injuries, their parents/guardians (n = 14) and five parents whose injured child did not participate.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews exploring the emotional, social, practical and physical impacts of children's injuries, analysed by thematic analysis.

Results

Interviews were conducted a median of 8.5 months (IQR 9.3) post-injury. Injuries affected the head, chest, abdomen, spine, limbs or multiple body parts. Injured children struggled with changes to their appearance, physical activity restrictions and late onset physical symptoms, which developed after hospital discharge when activity levels increased. Social participation was affected by activity restrictions, concerns about their appearance and interruptions to friendships. Psychological impacts, particularly post-traumatic stress type symptoms often affected both children and parents. Parents' responsibilities suddenly increased, which affected family relationships and roles, their ability to work and carry out daily tasks. Rapid hospital discharge was wanted, but participants often felt vulnerable on return home. They valued continued contact with a healthcare professional and practical supports from family and friends, which enabled resumption of their usual lives.

Conclusions

Injured children experience changes to their appearance, friendships, physical activity levels and develop new physical and mental health symptoms after hospital discharge. Such challenges can be addressed by the provision of advice about potential symptoms, alternative activities during recovery, strategies to build resilience and how to access services after hospital discharge.

SUBMITTER: Jones S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8027929 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:ObjectiveTo explore the needs of children and their families after a child's traumatic injury.DesignSemi-structured qualitative interviews with purposeful sampling for different types of injuries and a theoretical thematic analysis.Participants32 participants; 13 children living at home after a traumatic injury, their parents/guardians (n=14) and five parents whose injured child did not participate.SettingTwo Children's Major Trauma Centres (hospitals) in England.ResultsInterviews were conducted a median 8.5 months (IQR 9.3) postinjury. Injuries affected the limbs, head, chest, abdomen, spine or multiple body parts. Participants highlighted needs throughout their recovery (during and after the hospital stay). Education and training were needed to help children and families understand and manage the injury, and prepare for discharge. Information delivery needed to be timely, clear, consistent and complete, include the injured child, but take into account individuals' capacity to absorb detail. Similarly, throughout recovery, services needed to be timely and easily accessible, with flexible protocols and eligibility criteria to include injured children. Treatment (particularly therapy) needed to be structured, goal directed and of sufficient frequency to return injured children to their full function. A central point of contact is required after hospital discharge for advice, reassurance and to coordinate ongoing care. Positive partnerships with professionals helped injured children and their families maintain a sense of hope and participate in joint decision making about their care.ConclusionThroughout the full trajectory of recovery injured children and their families need family centred, accessible, flexible, coordinated health services, with more effective harmonious, communication between professionals, the child and their family. There is a requirement for support from a single point of contact and a system that monitors the needs of the injured child and their family after hospital discharge.

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