Outcome and quality of life 5 years after major trauma

• BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine quality of life after injury and identify factors potentially associated with outcome.METHODS: Five years after injury from blunt or penetrating trauma, patients received a questionnaire based on the SF-36 Health Survey.RESULTS: Two hundred five patients (83%) replied. Most were men, median age 39 years, 93% injured by blunt energy, median Injury Severity Score 14 (range 9-57). Mean SF-36 scores were significantly lower than in a matched reference group. Poor outcome was associated with: in-hospital days, intensive care days, surgical procedures, in-hospital major complications, age, recurrent injury, and inadequate information. Subjects reported considerable physical (68%) and psychologic (41%) disabilities. Near half reported need of improved follow-up care. Injury severity did not predict poor health-related quality of life 5 years later.CONCLUSION: Adequate information, sufficient pain management and follow-up by trauma specialist teams are needed. Certain factors can help identify patients in need of additional help and support.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Omvårdnad (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Nursing (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

injury trauma

injury severity score

follow-up outcome

quality of life health status

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)