Referrals for CLTI: Qualitative Study

The Experiences of Patients With Chronic Limb-threatening Ischaemia From First Symptom to Vascular Surgery Assessment: a Qualitative Study

The goal of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of patients who have been diagnosed with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI). The main questions it aims to answer are:

• What are the perceptions and experiences of patients between first symptom of CLTI and vascular surgery assessment
• What is important to patients during this process.

Participants will be interviewed and their words analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

There are delays at every stage of the patient journey from developing chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) to treatment, associated with poorer outcomes for patients. There is currently limited national and international guidance on how and when to refer patients with suspected CLTI to specialist vascular surgery services. The use of qualitative interviews will allow us explore perceptions and experiences of patients with CLTI being referred to vascular surgery services, and identify possible ways to improve the process via interviews. This study will provide novel information on patient experience, and together with other work provide a framework for improvement of the referral process for CLTI.

Inclusion Criteria:

- CLTI diagnosed in the last year

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lacking capacity to consent to interview
• Potential to be violent
• Cognitive impairment
• Non-English speaking