A web-based module and online video are superior to verbal instructions for improving caregiver knowledge on management of children's fracture pain without improvement in functional outcomes.

Background: Fractures are a common childhood injury. Although the pain associated with fractures is well described, the related functional impact is less understood. When a child's function is impaired, his or her ability to participate in day-to-day life is restricted. Eighty percent of children with fractures experience compromise in daily function. An in-depth understanding of function can guide emergency department (ED) providers' discharge instructions.Objectives: Our aim was to report caregivers' perspectives of the functional impact of limb fractures on their children's day-to-day life activities. Methods:We performed a qualitative study using interviews of caregivers of children (aged 5 to 11 years) who received care for acute, nonoperative long bone fractures in a pediatric ED. Audio-recorded, semistructured telephone interviews were completed 7 to 14 days after the ED visit. Interviews were primarily open ended, including questions targeting areas of function from existing pediatric fracture literature. Qualitative analysis was completed using content analysis.Results: Twenty-five interviews were included in the final analysis. Most of the children were diagnosed with upper extremity fractures, and most participants were mothers. All parents reported a change in their child's function. The most commonly affected areas were sleep, activities of daily living, and play. Play was either self-limited by the child or restricted by the parent. Pain was worse in the first days after discharge. Many children struggled emotionally with functional limitations. All children required help from their parents to perform daily tasks; this required adaptive strategies such as planning, changes to household routine, and missed work. Key concerns from parents included regression in the child's independence and fracture healing and complications.Conclusions: Function is universally impaired in young children with fractures, significantly affecting family life after discharge. Discharge conversations with families should include pain management, changes to activities of daily living, family routines and play, and expectations for fracture healing.

Background: Fractures occur in up to half of children by age 16 years.After initial emergency care for a fracture, function is universally impaired in children, and impacts extend to the immediate family. Knowledge of expected functional limitations is key to providing proper discharge instructions and anticipatory guidance to families. Objectives:The primary objective of this study was to understand how changes in functional ability impact youth with fractures.Methods: We conducted individual, semistructured interviews from June 2019 to November 2020 with adolescents and their caregivers 7 to 14 days following their initial visit to a pediatric emergency department. We used qualitative content analysis methodology; recruitment proceeded until thematic saturation was achieved. Coding and analysis were concurrent with recruitment and interviews. The interview script was modified in an iterative process, to reflect emerging themes.Results: Twenty-nine interviews were completed. The most frequently affected functions were (a) showering and hygiene (requiring the most caregiver support), (b) sleep (due to pain and cast-related discomfort), and (c) exclusion from sports/activities. Many adolescents experienced disruptions to social activities and gatherings. Youth valued independence and took more time to complete tasks, regardless of inconvenience. Both adolescents and caregivers reported feelings of frustration from day-to-day impacts of the injury. Generally, caregivers' perspectives were in keeping with the experiences that adolescents described for themselves. Notable family impacts included "sibling burden," or conflicts that arose when a sibling had to take on extra chores/tasks. Conclusions:Overall, caregivers' perspectives were congruent with the self-described experiences of adolescents. Key messages for optimized discharge instructions include pain and sleep management, allowing extra time to complete tasks independently, considering impact on siblings, preparing for changes in activities and social dynamics, and normalizing frustration.These themes highlight an opportunity to better tailor discharge instructions for adolescents with fractures.

Introduction: Fractures are a common childhood presentation to the emergency department (ED). While ED providers are aware of treating pain, we are less aware of the functional impact of these fractures. Eighty percent of children with a fracture experience compromise in their daily function. Understanding the functional outcomes of fractures will help optimize discharge instructions for at-home care. The primary objective of our study was to describe caregivers' perspectives on the impact of their child's fracture on: (1) child functioning, (2) caregiver functioning and (3) family life. Methods: We performed a qualitative study interviewing caregivers of children (5 to 11 years) who received care for acute (< 24 hours old), non-operative long bone fractures at a Canadian tertiary care pediatric ED. Audio-recorded, semi-structured telephone interviews were completed 1-2 weeks post-ED visit, until thematic saturation was achieved. Transcripts were read and coded by two researchers concurrent with data collection. We applied content analysis to the interview material, explicating themes to summarize the data utilizing NVivo software. Results: Twenty-five interviews were completed. Most children (23/25) suffered upper extremity fractures and most participants were mothers (21/25). All caregivers reported a change in their child's function. The most commonly affected areas included: sleep, play and activities of daily living (ADL's; ie. dressing, bathing, eating). Children were impacted by pain and related negative emotional responses. All children required additional help from their caregivers to carry out ADL's. Strategies included changing household routines and missing work. Importantly, caregivers described a disrupted family dynamic. Adapting to their injured child's functional deficits and caring for pain and distress took time and attention away from the household's previously well-functioning routine. This burden was felt by all family members. Key concerns from caregivers included pain management, fracture healing/complications, and regression of their child's independence. Conclusion: Function is universally impaired in younger children with fractures. We suggest 5 main points to include in discharge instructions: (1) monitoring pain and providing analgesia, (2) helping children with ADL's, even if previously independent, (3) allotting extra time for morning and bedtime routines, (4) offering safe choices for play and (5) coaching children in positive thinking and problem-solving.