Shoulder Fracture Interview Study

Previous studies have shown that the written information provided to people after a shoulder fracture is varied and complex, and is written by experts without any apparent input from patients. Appropriate information provided at the right time may lead to improved outcomes for patients after a shoulder fracture, which may mean improvements in pain levels and function. Appropriate information may help to increase patients empowerment, which is their ability to use information provided to enable them to make informed decisions regarding their health care and to take a proactive approach in their recovery following an injury such as a shoulder fracture. To ensure that information is accessible and appropriate, it is necessary to understand the experience of living with a shoulder fracture and what is important to those who have sustained this injury.

This study intends to hear the views of people who have had a shoulder fracture both early on (around one month after injury) and later in their recovery (4-6 months after injury). It aims to explore the differing needs and experiences of people at different time points after injury and how their views on recovery change over time.

This may lead to further work on information provision, which may help improve outcomes by providing the right (accessible) information to the right people in the right way at the right time.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 years or over

Have sustained a proximal humerus fracture and been referred from East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust fracture clinic to outpatient physiotherapy

Able and willing to provide written informed consent, as deemed by the Chief Investigator

Exclusion criteria

• Does not meet inclusion criteria