Factors Influencing the Choice of Treatment Among Patients with Fractures in the Tamale Teaching Hospital

Abstract

The existence and productive lives of humankind globally is constantly under the threat of diseases. Key among them is fractures resulting from infections, ageing process and road traffic crashes, which result in untold economic hardship and disability in developing countries. Choice of treatment has always affected recovery of these patients. Despite this challenge, there is paucity of research on factors that influence selection of hospital-based treatment option for fractures in Ghana. This research explored factors influencing the choice of treatment among patients with fractures in the Tamale Teaching Hospital. The study population was 12 adults diagnosed of fracture and under hospital-based management, and aged 18 years old and above who met other inclusion criteria. The researcher used a qualitative approach with exploratory descriptive design with face-to-face interview conducted for data collection. Data was analyzed using thematic content analysis after transcription of interviews. The study discovered that marital status, level of education, family role, patients believe in treatment options, treatment cost, specialist and equipment availability, proximity and good road to health facility, influence choice of fracture treatment in the hospital. In addition, patients lay judgement of severity, obeying health professional advice were factors that influenced choice of treatment. Participants suggested expansion of health insurance coverage of diseases and drugs, better supervision of care, good patient education, and subsidized or free fracture care to improve patronage of fracture care. Participants also advised patients to avoid patronizing bonesetter service for severe fractures. This study will contribute to building nursing knowledge on fracture management, contribute to improved care strategies and guide training programmes on the care for both orthodox and traditional fracture management in Africa and the world as a whole.