Highlights
- •Brachial plexus injury (BPI) patients express variable degrees of participation during their recovery.
- •Uncertainty is frustrating to BPI patients.
- •Many BPI patients feel left out of the decision-making process.
ABSTRACT
Background
Given the modest functional outcomes seen after surgical reconstruction and subsequent
therapy, increasing attention is being directed to patient satisfaction and psychological
aspects of recovery after brachial plexus injury (BPI).
Purpose
To better understand the recovery course after surgical reconstruction for BPI, we
used qualitative interviews and focused on common points of frustration for patients.
Study Design
Qualitative, interpretive description study
Methods
We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI patients who were 6+ months post-surgical
reconstruction. The interview focused on the patients’ experience with BPI, focusing
on emotional aspects of recovery. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded
by 2 researchers. We used inductive and deductive analysis to organize codes into
themes. Once thematic saturation was reached, no additional interviews were conducted.
Results
We interviewed 15 BPI patients at median 13 months after surgery (range: 6-43 months).
Our analysis revealed: (1) BPI patients expressed variable degrees of participation
during recovery, with the indeterminate state of function making it difficult to adjust
to life after BPI. (2) The uncertainty while waiting for improved function is frustrating
to BPI patients, with many patients expressing concern for activities and moments
they are missing due to injury. (3) While many BPI patients feel left out of decision-making,
those who felt engaged in the process expressed less frustration and more acceptance
of their status.
Conclusion
Traumatic BPI patients those who felt engaged in decision-making were more receptive
to adjustment to their new state of function. When coordinating multidisciplinary
care, measures to encourage patients to feel agency over their outcome and to develop
self-management skills have the potential to improve patient satisfaction.
Keyword
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 21, 2021
Accepted:
October 2,
2021
Received in revised form:
December 10,
2020
Received:
September 10,
2020
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Investigation performed at Washington University School of Medicine – St. Louis, MO
Identification
Copyright
© 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
