gms | German Medical Science

Objective: The effect of a traumatic hand injury on an individual can be wide ranging and include both physical and psychological dimensions. Managing the injury as well as expectations around recovery is often challenging. A study was completed to explore individuals' experiences of recovery.

Materials and Methods: A reflective lifeworld research methodology, with a longitudinal perspective, was used to gain patients' insights around the recovery process. Seven adults in full-time work were interviewed at three distinct time points following their traumatic hand injury. Many participants initially expected to make a full and speedy recovery. It was with this view that participants made decisions concerning ways of managing the rehabilitation programme and their usual day-to-day activities.

Results: This study highlighted that a reflective lifeworld research methodology with a longitudinal perspective afforded an opportunity to explore individuals' experiences while managing a traumatic hand injury. Looking closely into their lived experiences provided an opportunity to gain insights into the complexities participants experienced when making decisions about, for example, returning to work. The impact of the injury was wider ranging than they anticipated.

Conclusions: A greater level of information is required to increase patient understanding, to help manage their expectations following traumatic hand injury. To embed this learning within the general hand injured patient population, an infographic was developed for patient distribution.