The three-year biopsychosocial outcome of 551 hospitalized accidentally injured adults

The negative biological, psychological and social outcomes following accidental injuries were assessed after three years in 551 adults by questionnaires, medical records and information from the National Insurance Offices. Fifty-four percent reported at least one negative outcome. Some reduction of physical function was reported by 31.8% and worsened bodily health by 26.0%. In about half of these cases reduced life quality was the main problem. Of the persons 18.9% claimed worsened psychological health and 18.2% decreased capacity for work as an effect of the injury. It is concluded that accidental injuries are an important source of morbidity and reduced life quality in society and that the long-term outcomes are best conceived within a biopsychosocial frame of reference.