Patient And Healthcare Professionals Involvement In Designing Information Material For Ankle Fracture Patients - A Way To Cover Patients Information Needs.

Beskrivelse

BACKGROUND
Worldwide, ankle fractures are among the most common fractures encountered in emergency departments and affecting patients’ mobility and quality of life for a long period. Patients report, that they experience pain and swelling of the ankle, that it can be difficult to get around due to restrictions and the use of walking aids, while at the same time experiencing reduced mobility and muscle strength when interviewed 16-23 weeks after the fracture.
In a recent study interviewing surgically (ST) and conservatively treated (CT) ankle fracture patients twice, within ten days and six weeks after the fracture, similar patient experiences were found. Additionally, this study revealed that patients described their treatment courses and the associated challenges in the follow-up period differently. Finally, this study showed patient’s wish/need for further knowledge about treatment and movement restrictions, let alone what to expect in relation to the ankle in the future in order to decrease their uncertainty.
As almost all information was provided orally and as patients understanding and recollection of oral information is reduced, it is recommended to supplement patient information with other forms of information material e.g. information via multimedia and leaflets. To understand what information the patients need, shared input from patients and healthcare professionals (HCP) are of great importance.

OBJECTIVES
The overall aim of this project was through involvement of patients and HCPs to identify important information for surgically or conservatively treated ankle fracture patients and to design a user-driven information material in a leaflet and a predetermined application called “My hospital”.

DESIGN AND METHODS.
The project was inspired by the three phases of the research methodology Participatory design: 1) identifying needs, 2) design a solution to cover needs, 3) test and evaluate. This presentation reports from the second phase; development of a solution to cover needs identified in phase one.
Four workshops with six patients and seven healthcare professionals (nurses, orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists) representing the entire treatment course including the ED, Orthopaedic unit, Outpatient clinic and rehabilitation in the community were conducted. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS.
All four workshops generated an awareness and shared knowledge on what information future patients need, and how to provide this information.
Content found important to outline, included a description of ankle anatomy, symptoms, use of cast/bandage, medication, weight bearing, training and psychosocial implications. Furthermore, the patients expressed a need for information on a typical treatment course including when to expect to return to work, drive a car and perform prior physical activities. Still, all participants were aware of individual treatment courses.
Furthermore, participants outlined that content in the leaflet should be presented short and easy-to-read with a reference to access more in-depth material in the app. The app should be a ‘pick and choose’ solution using following features to accommodate individuals different learning styles; 1) pictures, 2) short videos, 3) illustrated exercises, 4) written information.

CONCLUSION.
Involving healthcare professionals and ankle fracture patients in designing a leaflet and an application to cover patients' need for information ensures usability of contents and increases the potentials of the solution to be used according to intentions.

Periode	22. jun. 2022
Begivenhedstitel	EFORT
Begivenhedstype	Konference
Placering	Lisabon, PortugalVis på kort
Grad af anerkendelse	International