Neurotrauma clinicians' perspectives on the contextual challenges associated with long-term follow-up following traumatic brain injury in low-income and middle-income countries: a qualitative study protocol.

Journal: BMJ open

Volume: 11

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2021

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK. NIHR Global Health Research Group on Neurotrauma, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. Neurosurgery Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Northwest Region, Cameroon. Department of Neurosurgery, Rwanda Military Hospital, Kigali, Rwanda. Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurosurgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK ak@cam.ac.uk.

Abstract summary 

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public health concern; however, low/middle-income countries (LMICs) face the greatest burden. The WHO recognises the significant differences between patient outcomes following injuries in high-income countries versus those in LMICs. Outcome data are not reliably recorded in LMICs and despite improved injury surveillance data, data on disability and long-term functional outcomes remain poorly recorded. Therefore, the full picture of outcome post-TBI in LMICs is largely unknown.This is a cross-sectional pragmatic qualitative study using individual semistructured interviews with clinicians who have experience of neurotrauma in LMICs. The aim of this study is to understand the contextual challenges associated with long-term follow-up of patients following TBI in LMICs. For the purpose of the study, we define 'long-term' as any data collected following discharge from hospital. We aim to conduct individual semistructured interviews with 24-48 neurosurgeons, beginning February 2020. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed verbatim. A reflexive thematic analysis will be conducted supported by NVivo software.The University of Cambridge Psychology Research Ethics Committee approved this study in February 2020. Ethical issues within this study include consent, confidentiality and anonymity, and data protection. Participants will provide informed consent and their contributions will be kept confidential. Participants will be free to withdraw at any time without penalty; however, their interview data can only be withdrawn up to 1 week after data collection. Findings generated from the study will be shared with relevant stakeholders such as the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies and disseminated in conference presentations and journal publications.

Authors & Co-authors:  Smith Brandon George BG Whiffin Charlotte Jane CJ Esene Ignatius N IN Karekezi Claire C Bashford Tom T Mukhtar Khan Muhammad M Fontoura Solla Davi Jorge DJ Indira Devi Bhagavatula B Hutchinson Peter John PJ Kolias Angelos G AG Figaji Anthony A Rubiano Andres M AM

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Kolias AG, Rubiano AM, Figaji A, et al. . Traumatic brain injury: global collaboration for a global challenge. Lancet Neurol 2019;18:136–7. 10.1016/S1474-4422(18)30494-0
Authors :  12
Identifiers
Doi : e041442
SSN : 2044-6055
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Brain Injuries, Traumatic
Other Terms
neurological injury;neurosurgery;qualitative research
Study Design
Study Approach
Qualitative
Country of Study
Publication Country
England