Patient Perspectives on Interdisciplinary Peripheral Nerve Trauma Care

Abstract

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is a complex, debilitating condition that is increasingly being treated in interdisciplinary clinics. Patients see peripheral nerve surgeons, neurologists, physiatrists, and electrodiagnostic technicians in a single encounter. No studies have evaluated patient experience within this unique interdisciplinary care model. This study aims to assess patients’ perceptions of the effectiveness of delivery of care and health care information in an interdisciplinary PNI clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted using a 23-question survey that was by a lived-experience partner (an individual who had a brachial plexus injury) in research who helped design the survey. Participants attended an interdisciplinary clinic for PNI 1-2 days prior to taking the survey. The survey included 5-point Likert scales for measuring patient understanding and qualitative questions that were categorized into themes, using conventional content analysis. Results: Of the 20 participants, 65% were male, 35% were female and the mean age was 42.6 ± 17.8. Median scores of 4 were obtained for the patient understanding of the testing purposes, test results, nerve recovery after PNI, and surgical decision-making (full understanding = 5). On improving the clinical experience, 58% indicated no improvements were necessary, while 17% indicated the clinic felt rushed or overwhelming. When asked about positive aspects of their clinical experience, 64% appreciated the team approach to care, 27% valued the informative nature of the clinic, and 27% appreciated the progress they felt when providers at the clinic performed nerve testing. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that patients with PNI have overall positive perceptions of the delivery of care and information in an interdisciplinary PNI clinic. These results provide new insight into how interdisciplinary care may be beneficial to PNI patients based on the perceived effectiveness of knowledge translation.