Phelps, EE, Tutton, E, Costa, ML, Achten, J, Gibson, P and Perry, DC 
ORCID: 0000-0001-8420-8252
(2024)
A qualitative study of clinicians' experience of a clinical trial for displaced distal radius fractures overcoming obstacles: tension, time, and territories
BONE & JOINT OPEN, 5 (4).
pp. 324-334.
ISSN 2633-1462, 2633-1462
Abstract
Aims The aim of this study was to explore clinicians’ experience of a paediatric randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing surgical reduction with non-surgical casting for displaced distal radius fractures. Methods Overall, 22 staff from 15 hospitals who participated in the RCT took part in an interview. Interviews were informed by phenomenology and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Analysis of the findings identified the overarching theme of “overcoming obstacles”, which described the challenge of alleviating staff concerns about the use of non-surgical casting and recruiting families where there was treatment uncertainty. In order to embed and recruit to the Children’s Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (CRAFFT), staff needed to fit the study within clinical practice, work together, negotiate treatment decisions, and support families. Conclusion Recruiting families to this RCT was challenging because staff were uncertain about longerterm patient outcomes, and the difficulties were exacerbated by interdisciplinary tensions. Strong family and clinician beliefs, coupled with the complex nature of emergency departments and patient pathways that differed site-by-site, served as barriers to recruitment. Cementing a strong research culture, and exploring families’ treatment preferences, helped to overcome recruitment obstacles.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 3202 Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research, Physical Injury - Accidents and Adverse Effects, Comparative Effectiveness Research, Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities, Injuries and accidents |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Health & Life Sciences Faculty of Health & Life Sciences > Inst. Life Courses & Medical Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Symplectic Admin |
| Date Deposited: | 07 May 2024 10:09 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jun 2026 20:18 |
| DOI: | 10.1302/2633-1462.54.BJO-2023-0158 |
| Open Access URL: | https://doi.org/10.1302/2633-1462.54.BJO-2023-0158 |
| Related Websites: | |
| URI: | https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3180788 |
| Disclaimer: | The University of Liverpool is not responsible for content contained on other websites from links within repository metadata. Please contact us if you notice anything that appears incorrect or inappropriate. |
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