Stakeholder experiences of rehabilitation for adults with complex fractures following traumatic injury: a qualitative interview study

Silvester, Lucy, Palmer, Shea ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5190-3264, McWilliams, David, Kearney, Rebecca S., Higo, Anna and Pearce, Gemma 2026. Stakeholder experiences of rehabilitation for adults with complex fractures following traumatic injury: a qualitative interview study. Disability and Rehabilitation 10.1080/09638288.2026.2667133

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Abstract

Purpose To explore stakeholder experiences of rehabilitation following complex fractures and identify key components considered important for recovery. Methods Thirty-three individual interviews were conducted with adults who had lived experience of complex fractures (n = 16) and health professionals and commissioners (n = 17). Data were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results Four themes with related subthemes emerged: (1) personalisation—needs-led and holistic, meaningful to the person, and desire to see progress; (2) adjustment to reality—making sense of the situation, support system, and practical reality; (3) accessibility and delivery—skilled and flexible workforce, accessibility, and systems approach; and (4) professional support—guidance and active monitoring, navigating transitions, and supervised physical activity. Conclusions This is the first study to identify rehabilitation components valued by people with complex fractures. Participants considered it important for rehabilitation to be personalised and holistic, delivered by experienced and competent professionals, and focused on meaningful, person-specific activities. However, a perceived mismatch exists between what people want and what current services can provide. Future research should explore how to deliver accessible, personalised rehabilitation that supports long-term engagement while remaining feasible within existing resources.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Healthcare Sciences
Publisher:	Taylor and Francis Group
ISSN:	0963-8288
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	13 May 2026
Date of Acceptance:	25 April 2026
Last Modified:	13 May 2026 08:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186968

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