[Health-related quality of life of severely injured patients: A monocentric cross-sectional study].

Abstract

With the decline in the mortality of severely injured patients, the scientific question and the perspective in clinical practice have changed in the direction of qualitative outcome parameters. This long-term survey of patient-reported out-comes is intended to support the argument of structured follow-up care and seamless trauma rehabilitation.Patients were surveyed ten years after a serious injury with an Injury Severity Score of 16 points using the Polytrauma Outcome Chart. Thanks to its modular structure, consisting of the European Quality of Life Index, Short-Form-36 and Trauma Outcome Profile, the health-related quality of life of those affected could be systematically analyzed as a multidimensional construct.From 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019, the health-related quality of life of 78 patients treated for a serious injury between 2007 and 2009 was surveyed. Even ten years after treatment, the state of health and quality of life of those affected were significantly lower compared to the normal German population. Age, overall injury severity, level of education, occupation, and relevant restrictions in social interaction as well as pain and symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder were found to be predictors.Psychosocial factors seem to play an important part in the assessment of health-related quality of life over the long term. A needs-oriented and interdisciplinary rehabilitation process offers the chance of continuing professional and social participation.