Patients' Experiences With Vehicle Collision to Inform the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Narrative Inquiry

Gail M Lindsay; Silvano A Mior; Pierre Côté; Linda J Carroll; Heather M Shearer

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.01.005

Patients' Experiences With Vehicle Collision to Inform the Development of Clinical Practice Guidelines: A Narrative Inquiry

J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2016 Mar-Apr;39(3):218-28. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.01.005. Epub 2016 Feb 28.

Authors

Gail M Lindsay¹, Silvano A Mior², Pierre Côté³, Linda J Carroll⁴, Heather M Shearer⁵

Affiliations

¹ Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada. Electronic address: gail.lindsay@uoit.ca.
² Professor, Research Scientist, Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, ON, Canada; Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, ON, Canada.
³ Canada Research Chair in Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, and Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada.
⁴ Professor, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
⁵ Clinical Research Manager, UOIT-CMCC Centre for the Study of Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON, Canada.

PMID: 26926886
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2016.01.005

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to explore the experiences of persons who were injured in traffic collisions and seek their recommendations for the development of clinical practice guideline (CPG) for the management of minor traffic injuries.

Methods: Patients receiving care for traffic injuries were recruited from 4 clinics in Ontario, Canada resulting in 11 adult participants (5 men, 6 women). Eight were injured while driving cars, 1 was injured on a motorcycle, 2 were pedestrians, and none caused the collision. Using narrative inquiry methodology, initial interviews were audiotaped, and follow-up interviews were held within 2 weeks to extend the story of experience created from the first interview. Narrative plotlines across the 11 stories were identified, and a composite story inclusive of all recommendations was developed by the authors. The research findings and composite narrative were used to inform the CPG Expert Panel in the development of new CPGs.

Results: Four recommended directions were identified from the narrative inquiry process and applied. First, terminology that caused stigma was a concern. This resulted in modified language ("injured persons") being adopted by the Expert Panel, and a new nomenclature categorizing layers of injury was identified. Second, participants valued being engaged as partners with health care practitioners. This resulted in inclusion of shared decision-making as a foundational recommendation connecting CPGs and care planning. Third, emotional distress was recognized as a factor in recovery. Therefore, the importance of early detection and the ongoing evaluation of risk factors for delayed recovery were included in all CPGs. Fourth, participants shared that they were unfamiliar with the health care system and insurance industry before their accident. Thus, repeatedly orienting injured persons to the system was advised.

Conclusion: A narrative inquiry of 11 patients' experiences with traffic collision and their recommendations for clinical guidelines informed the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management Collaboration in the development of new Minor Injury Guidelines. The values and findings of the qualitative inquiry were interwoven into each clinical pathway and embedded within the final guideline report submitted to government.

Keywords: Accidents, Traffic; Neck Pain; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care), Personal Narratives as Topic; Qualitative Research; Whiplash Injuries.

MeSH terms

Accidents, Traffic*
Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Narration*
Ontario
Outcome Assessment, Health Care
Patient Participation*
Physical Therapy Modalities
Practice Guidelines as Topic*
Qualitative Research