Perceptions of patients managed for pelvic fractures regarding their rehabilitation needs at Tshwane Academic Hospitals, South Africa

This research aims to explore the perceptions of patients regarding their rehabilitation needs following the management of pelvic fractures at Tshwane Academic Hospitals in South Africa.

A qualitative, descriptive phenomenological study was conducted on purposefully selected patients managed at Tshwane Academic Hospitals for pelvic fractures. Data saturation was reached after 12 semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Five overarching themes emerged from the interviews with patients managed following pelvic fractures: physical health redress; mental health promotion; support systems; work reintegration; and health reform.

The patients' rehabilitation needs should guide the patients' management following pelvic fractures to promote efficient and effective healthcare. Addressing physical impairments, including sexual dysfunction and urinary incontinence, is crucial in rehabilitation. However, managing patients’ mental health needs; fostering good support networks; and focusing on work re-integration to ensure livelihoods and quality of life should also be prioritised.

The findings of this research will inform the rehabilitation programmes of patients treated for pelvic fractures, the rehabilitation curriculum, and the rehabilitation policies informing holistic care.