Preventing subsequent injury: Healthcare providers’ perspectives on untapped potential

• Published in: Injury Vol. 53; no. 3; pp. 953 - 958
• Main Authors: Harcombe, Helen, Richardson, Amy E., Wyeth, Emma H., Derrett, Sarah
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2022
• Subjects: Aged; Delivery of Health Care; Disabled Persons; Emergency Service, Hospital; Health Personnel; Healthcare providers; Humans; Injury; Prevention; Qualitative; Qualitative Research; Reinjuries; Subsequent injury; Prevention; Healthcare providers; Qualitative; Injury; Subsequent injury
• ISSN: 0020-1383; 1879-0267
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2021.11.029

•A substantial proportion of people who are injured go on to have subsequent injuries.•Preventing subsequent injuries is an opportunity to contribute to reducing the overall burden of injury.•Healthcare providers interviewed in this study suggested a variety of potential strategies to reduce subsequent injuries.•Subsequent injury prevention opportunities suggested ranged from individually oriented interventions to broader societal interventions.
Introduction: Many individuals who experience an injury go on to have subsequent injuries. This study examined the views of health professionals about potential opportunities to prevent subsequent injuries.
Methods: Semi-structured individual interviews were held with a range of health professionals involved in treating injuries. Interviews examined opportunities for the prevention of subsequent injuries, particularly opportunities that may be implemented by health professionals. A thematic analysis of the data was undertaken.
Results: Thirteen health professionals were interviewed, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and emergency department staff. Opportunities to prevent subsequent injuries aligned with the Dahlgren-Whitehead model of health determinants, representing opportunities to focus on demographic factors (e.g. older adults), individual lifestyle factors (e.g. alcohol consumption), social and community networks (e.g. social isolation), living and working conditions (e.g. access to preventive healthcare), and general socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions (e.g. changes in legislation).
Conclusions: Health professionals identified a number of opportunities for subsequent injury prevention, ranging from individually oriented interventions to broader societal interventions. Within their roles, health professionals highlighted potential opportunities to provide education, modify attitudes, engage in multi-disciplinary teamwork, and serve as advocates. Use of these strategies could help to reduce the disability burden presented by subsequent injuries.