Long term outcomes 12 years after major trauma

Area of Science:

• Trauma research
• Public health
• Longitudinal studies

Background:

• Major trauma significantly impacts patient outcomes.
• Long-term population-based data on major trauma recovery is limited.
• Understanding long-term recovery is crucial for patient care and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide 12-year population-based follow-up data for major trauma patients.
• To assess long-term recovery, including employment and health status.
• To identify factors influencing long-term outcomes in major trauma survivors.

Main Methods:

• Cohort study of major trauma patients (Injury Severity Score > 15) alive at hospital admission (1990-1991).
• Stratified random sampling used for patient selection.
• Long-term follow-up assessed recovery via employment status and physical/mental health problems, using Glasgow Outcome Score.

Main Results:

• 138 out of 165 survivors (86%) were traced 12 years post-injury.
• 76% of survivors lived independently (GOS 4 and 5); 8% were severely disabled.
• 90% of employable survivors returned to work; unemployment was higher (52%) for those injured in childhood.

Conclusions:

• 12-year population-based outcome data for major trauma are now available.
• Major trauma survivors demonstrate significant long-term recovery, with 90% living independently and returning to work.
• Childhood injury is associated with increased long-term unemployment among major trauma survivors.