Major Extremity Trauma Rehabilitation Consortium (METRC). Early Effects of the Trauma Collaborative Care Intervention: Results From a Prospective Multicenter Cluster Clinical Trial

Beyond surviving: A scoping review of collaborative care models to inform the future of postdischarge trauma care

ABSTRACT

Trauma centers demonstrate an impressive ability to save lives, as reflected by inpatient survival rates of more than 95% in the United States. Nevertheless, we fail to allocate sufficient effort and resources to ensure that survivors and their families receive the necessary care and support after leaving the trauma center. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically map the research on collaborative care models that have been put forward to improve trauma survivorship. Of 833 articles screened, we included 16 studies evaluating eight collaborative care programs, predominantly in the United States. The majority of the programs offered care coordination and averaged 9 months in duration. Three fourths of the programs incorporated a mental health provider within their primary team. Observed outcomes were diverse: some models showed increased engagement (e.g., Center for Trauma Survivorship, trauma quality-of-life follow-up clinic), while others presented mixed mental health outcomes and varied results on pain and health care utilization. The findings of this study indicate that collaborative interventions may be effective in mental health screening, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression management, effective referrals, and improving patient satisfaction with care. A consensus on core elements and cost-effectiveness of collaborative care models is necessary to set the standard for comprehensive care in posttrauma recovery.

Virtual Reality for Subacute Pain After Orthopedic Traumatic Musculoskeletal Injuries: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

OBJECTIVES

Acute orthopedic traumatic musculoskeletal injuries are prevalent, costly, and often lead to persistent pain and functional limitations. Psychological risk factors (eg, pain catastrophizing and anxiety) exacerbate these outcomes but are often overlooked in acute orthopedic care. Addressing gaps in current treatment approaches, this mixed-methods pilot study explored the use of a therapeutic virtual reality (VR; RelieVRx ), integrating principles of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy, for pain self-management at home following orthopedic injury.

METHODS

We enrolled 10 adults with acute orthopedic injuries and elevated pain catastrophizing or pain anxiety from Level 1 Trauma Clinics within the Mass General Brigham health care system. Participants completed daily RelieVRx sessions at home for 8 weeks, which included pain education, relaxation, mindfulness, games, and dynamic breathing biofeedback. Primary outcomes were a priori feasibility, appropriateness, acceptability, satisfaction, and safety. Secondary outcomes were pre-post measures of pain, physical function, sleep, depression, and hypothesized mechanisms (pain self-efficacy, mindfulness, and coping).

RESULTS

The VR and study procedures met or exceeded all benchmarks. We observed preliminary improvements in pain, physical functioning, sleep, depression, and mechanisms. Qualitative exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with RelieVRx and yielded recommendations for promoting VR-based trials with orthopedic patients.

DISCUSSION

The results support a larger randomized clinical trial of RelieVRx versus a sham placebo control to replicate the findings and explore mechanisms. There is potential for self-guided VR to promote evidence-based pain management strategies and address the critical mental health care gap for patients following acute orthopedic injuries.

[What is the Impact of Early Rehabilitation and Rehabilitation Management on Outcome after Polytrauma?]

Patients with polytrauma and other severe musculoskeletal injuries often suffer from permanently impaired functionality and quality of life. This results in long-term damage with high costs for the social system. A narrative review will show the impact of targeted coordination in the rehabilitation process from early rehabilitation to long-term case management on patients with severe musculoskeletal injuries. A systematic database search of MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library identified studies of multiple injuries that compared the outcome of early rehabilitation and rehabilitation management with other types of care. Studies of predominantly neurologic injury types, soldiers, and mild injury types with an ISS less than 9 or AIS less than 3 were excluded. Four studies were included and analyzed. They looked at functionality, quality of life, psychological impairment, and costs. While treatment and total costs were higher for early rehabilitation and rehabilitation management, no better results for improved function, psychological condition and quality of life could be demonstrated in the group comparison. An effect estimate is possible due to small group differences and the small number of individual studies included. There are insufficient studies to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the early interventions. Future studies are needed that take into greater account structures of standard care and national differences in social security systems, as well as the chosen rehabilitation management interventions.

A Brief Mind-body Intervention Is Feasible and May Prevent Persistent Pain After Acute Orthopaedic Traumas: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Approximately 20% to 50% of patients develop persistent pain after traumatic orthopaedic injuries. Psychosocial factors are an important predictor of persistent pain; however, there are no evidence-based, mind-body interventions to prevent persistent pain for this patient population.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Does the Toolkit for Optimal Recovery after Injury (TOR) achieve a priori feasibility benchmarks in a multisite randomized control trial (RCT)? (2) Does TOR demonstrate a preliminary effect in improving pain, as well as physical and emotional function?

METHODS

This pilot RCT of TOR versus a minimally enhanced usual care comparison group (MEUC) was conducted among 195 adults with an acute orthopaedic traumatic injury at risk for persistent pain at four geographically diverse Level 1 trauma centers between October 2021 to August 2023. Fifty percent (97 of 195) of participants were randomized to TOR (mean age 43 ± 17 years; 67% [65 of 97] women) and 50% (98) to MEUC (mean age 45 ± 16 years; 67% [66 of 98] women). In TOR, 24% (23 of 97) of patients were lost to follow-up, whereas in the MEUC, 17% (17 of 98) were lost. At 4 weeks, 78% (76 of 97) of patients in TOR and 95% (93 of 98) in the MEUC completed the assessments; by 12 weeks, 76% (74 of 97) of patients in TOR and 83% (81 of 98) in the MEUC completed the assessments (all participants were still included in the analysis consistent with an intention-to-treat approach). The TOR has four weekly video-administered sessions that teach pain coping skills. The MEUC is an educational pamphlet. Both were delivered in addition to usual care. Primary outcomes were feasibility of recruitment (the percentage of patients who met study criteria and enrolled) and data collection, appropriateness of treatment (the percent of participants in TOR who score above the midpoint on the Credibility and Expectancy Scale), acceptability (the percentage of patients in TOR who attend at least three of four sessions), and treatment satisfaction (the percent of participants in TOR who score above the midpoint on the Client Satisfaction Scale). Secondary outcomes included additional feasibility (including collecting data on narcotics and rescue medications and adverse events), fidelity (whether the intervention was delivered as planned) and acceptability metrics (patients and staff), pain (numeric rating scale), physical function (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire [SMFA], PROMIS), emotional function (PTSD [PTSD Checklist], depression [Center for Epidemiologic Study of Depression]), and intervention targets (pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, coping, and mindfulness). Assessments occurred at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Several outcomes exceeded a priori benchmarks: feasibility of recruitment (89% [210 of 235] of eligible participants consented), appropriateness (TOR: 73% [66 of 90] scored > midpoint on the Credibility and Expectancy Scale), data collection (79% [154 of 195] completed all surveys), satisfaction (TOR: 99% [75 of 76] > midpoint on the Client Satisfaction Scale), and acceptability (TOR: 73% [71 of 97] attended all four sessions). Participation in TOR, compared with the MEUC, was associated with improvement from baseline to postintervention and from baseline to follow-up in physical function (SMFA, baseline to post: -7 [95% CI -11 to -4]; p < 0.001; baseline to follow-up: -6 [95% CI -11 to -1]; p = 0.02), PROMIS (PROMIS-PF, baseline to follow-up: 2 [95% CI 0 to 4]; p = 0.045), pain at rest (baseline to post: -1.2 [95% CI -1.7 to -0.6]; p < 0.001; baseline to follow-up: -1 [95% CI -1.7 to -0.3]; p = 0.003), activity (baseline to post: -0.7 [95% CI -1.3 to -0.1]; p = 0.03; baseline to follow-up: -0.8 [95% CI -1.6 to -0.1]; p = 0.04), depressive symptoms (baseline to post: -6 [95% CI -9 to -3]; p < 0.001; baseline to follow-up: -5 [95% CI -9 to -2]; p < 0.002), and posttraumatic symptoms (baseline to post: -4 [95% CI -7 to 0]; p = 0.03; baseline to follow-up: -5 [95% CI -9 to -1]; p = 0.01). Improvements were generally clinically important and sustained or continued through the 3 months of follow-up (that is, above the minimum clinically important different [MCID] of 7 for the SMFA, the MCID of 3.6 for PROMIS, the MCID of 2 for pain at rest and pain during activity, the MCID of more than 10% change in depressive symptoms, and the MCID of 10 for posttraumatic symptoms). There were treatment-dependent improvements in pain catastrophizing, pain anxiety, coping, and mindfulness.

CONCLUSION

TOR was feasible and potentially efficacious in preventing persistent pain among patients with an acute orthopaedic traumatic injury. Using TOR in clinical practice may prevent persistent pain after orthopaedic traumatic injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Follow-up after major traumatic injury: a survey of services in Australian and New Zealand public hospitals

BACKGROUND

Increased survival from traumatic injury has led to a higher demand for follow-up care when patients are discharged from hospital. It is currently unclear how follow-up care following major trauma is provided to patients, and how, when, and to whom follow-up services are delivered. The aim of this study was to describe the current follow-up care provided to patients and their families who have experienced major traumatic injury in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).

METHODS

Informed by Donabedian's 'Evaluating the Quality of Medical Care' model and the Institute of Medicine's Six Domains of Healthcare Quality, a cross-sectional online survey was developed in conjunction with trauma experts. Their responses informed the final survey which was distributed to key personnel in 71 hospitals in Australia and New Zealand that (i) delivered trauma care to patients, (ii) provided data to the Australasian Trauma Registry, or (iii) were a Trauma Centre.

RESULTS

Data were received from 38/71 (53.5%) hospitals. Most were Level 1 trauma centres (n = 23, 60.5%); 76% (n = 16) follow-up services were permanently funded. Follow-up services were led by a range of health professionals with over 60% (n = 19) identifying as trauma specialists. Patient inclusion criteria varied; only one service allowed self-referral (3.3%). Follow-up was within two weeks of acute care discharge in 53% (n = 16) of services. Care activities focused on physical health; psychosocial assessments were the least common. Most services provided care for adults and paediatric trauma (60.5%, n = 23); no service incorporated follow-up for family members. Evaluation of follow-up care was largely as part of a health service initiative; only three sites stated evaluation was specific to trauma follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Follow-up care is provided by trauma specialists and predominantly focuses on the physical health of the patients affected by major traumatic injury. Variations exist in terms of patient selection, reason for follow-up and care activities delivered with gaps in the provision of psychosocial and family health services identified. Currently, evaluation of trauma follow-up care is limited, indicating a need for further development to ensure that the care delivered is safe, effective and beneficial to patients, families and healthcare organisations.

Psychological treatments for the management of pain after musculoskeletal injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal injury is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide; 35% to 75% of people experience persistent pain for months and years after injury. Psychological treatments can reduce pain, functional impairment, and psychological distress but are not widely used after injury. This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236807) aimed to synthesize the literature testing psychological treatments for pain after musculoskeletal injury. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL from inception to May 2022. We extracted participant, treatment, and injury characteristics and primary (eg, pain intensity, functional impairment, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms) and secondary (treatment feasibility and acceptability) outcomes. Twenty-four randomized controlled trials (N = 1966) were included. Immediately posttreatment, people who received psychological treatments (versus any control) reported lower pain intensity (standardized mean differences [SMD] = -0.25, 95% confidence interval [-0.49, -0.02]), functional impairment (SMD = -0.32 [-0.55, -0.09]), and symptoms of depression (SMD = -0.46 [-0.64, -0.29]), anxiety (SMD = -0.34 [-0.65, -0.04]), and PTSD (SMD = -0.43 [-0.70, -0.15]); at 6-month follow-up, only depression symptoms were significantly lower. Included trials varied widely in treatment and injury characteristics. The certainty of evidence was low or very low for most effects and heterogeneity moderate to substantial. Most studies had risk of bias domains judged to be high or unclear. Owing to very low certainty of results, we are unsure whether psychological therapies reduce pain and functional impairment after musculoskeletal injury; they may result in improved depression immediately posttreatment and at follow-up. More research is needed to identify treatments that result in enduring effects.

Factors affecting a patient's experience following the open Latarjet procedure to treat recurrent anterior shoulder instability

The open Latarjet procedure is a widely used treatment for recurrent anterior instability of the shoulder. Although satisfactory outcomes are reported, factors which influence a patient's experience are poorly quantified. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a range of demographic factors and measures of the severity of instability on patient-reported outcome measures in patients who underwent an open Latarjet procedure at a minimum follow-up of two years. A total of 350 patients with anterior instability of the shoulder who underwent an open Latarjet procedure between 2005 and 2018 were reviewed prospectively, with the collection of demographic and psychosocial data, preoperative CT, and complications during follow-up of two years. The primary outcome measure was the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI), assessed preoperatively, at two years postoperatively, and at mid-term follow-up at a mean of 50.6 months (SD 24.8) postoperatively. The secondary outcome measure was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. The influence of the demographic details of the patients, measurements of the severity of instability, and the complications of surgery were assessed in a multivariate analysis. The mean age of the patients was 25.5 years (22 to 32) and 27 (7.7%) were female. The median time to surgery after injury was 19 months (interquartile range (IQR) 13 to 39). Seven patients developed clinically significant complications requiring further intervention within two years of surgery. The median percentage WOSI deficiency was 8.0% (IQR 4 to 20) and median QuickDASH was 3.0 (IQR 0 to 9) at mid-term assessment. A minority of patients reported a poorer experience, and 22 (6.3%) had a > 50% deficiency in WOSI score. Multivariate analysis revealed that consumption of ≥ 20 units of alcohol/week, a pre-existing affective disorder or epilepsy, medicolegal litigation, increasing time to surgery, and residing in a more socioeconomically deprived area were independently predictive of a poorer WOSI score. Although most patients treated by an open Latarjet procedure have excellent outcomes at mid-term follow-up, a minority have poorer outcomes, which are mainly predictable from pre-existing demographic factors, rather than measures of the severity of instability.

Factors influencing participation in psychosocial programming among orthopaedic trauma patients with PTSD

INTRODUCTION

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) commonly occurs following acute trauma. Post-injury outcomes are negatively impacted by PTSD. Trauma Recovery Services (TRS) programming was developed at our institution in 2013 to provide psychosocial programming that increases patient satisfaction with care and ability to return to work and decreases PTSD symptoms. We sought to identify factors that influence patients' decision to participate in programming.

METHODS

Over a 3-year period at a single, urban level 1 trauma center, 172 patients over the age of 18 screened positive for PTSD on the validated PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) screening tool. Demographic, socioeconomic, injury, and medical comorbidity information was collected. Variables were initially compared in a univariate manner via Chi-squared, Fisher exact, t-test, or Mann-Whitney U, as appropriate. Variables that had a p-value <0.2 on univariate analysis were entered into a backward stepwise logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of participation in TRS programming.

RESULTS

Mean age was 37.8 years. 70.1% of patients were male. The most common mechanisms of injury were gunshot wound (33.7%), motor vehicle crash (19.0%), and burn. 33.5% of patients participated in TRS programming. Nine predictors had p<.2 on univariate analysis and were entered into the stepwise regression model. Four predictors remained in the final model. Patients with private insurance (RR=2.2, p=.038), high school diploma or greater (RR=1.53, p=.002; Table 1), and PCL-5 score greater than 50 were more likely to participate in TRS programming (RR=1.42, p=.046). Patients who live 20 or more minutes away by car from TRS were less likely to participate in programming (RR=0.47, p=.065).

DISCUSSION

Patients with more severe PTSD, higher levels of education, and private insurance were more likely to participate in TRS programming. Participation in TRS and similar psychosocial programs may be improved by minimizing the participant's potential commute to the program location.

The 12-Month Effects of the Trauma Collaborative Care Intervention: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Studies have suggested that patient-centered collaborative care in the early phases of recovery may assist providers and patients in managing the multifactorial consequences of injury and may lead to better outcomes. This cluster-controlled trial, conducted at 12 U.S. Level-I trauma centers, was designed to evaluate the impact of the Trauma Collaborative Care (TCC) program on 1-year outcomes following severe musculoskeletal injury.

METHODS

Patients with high-energy orthopaedic trauma requiring surgical fixation were prospectively enrolled. Six sites implemented the TCC intervention as well as the Trauma Survivors Network (TSN), and the other 6 sites provided the standard of care. Participants were followed for 1 year, and a composite primary outcome measure composed of the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Dysfunction Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL) was assessed. A 2-stage, Bayesian hierarchical statistical procedure was used to characterize treatment effects. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to account for an error in the delivery of the intervention.

RESULTS

There were 378 patients enrolled at 6 trauma centers implementing the TCC program, and 344 patients enrolled at 6 trauma centers providing usual care. Patient utilization of treatment components varied across the intervention sites: 29% of patients in the intervention group received all 5 key components (TSN handbook education, peer visits, recovery assessment, and calls before and after recovery assessment). Posterior estimates of the intention-to-treat effect suggested that the intervention did not have an appreciable effect: the odds of the composite outcome for the TCC group increased by 5% (95% credible interval, -40% to 63%). The estimates of the effect of receiving all 5 key intervention components were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite prior work showing early positive effects, this analysis suggests that the TCC program as delivered did not have positive effects on patient outcomes at 1 year. It is not known whether programs that improve compliance or target specific subgroups would better meet the psychosocial needs of trauma survivors.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level II . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Musculoskeletal Pain Management and Patient Mental Health and Well-being

Orthopaedic trauma patients have high rates of psychiatric disorders, which put them at risk for worse outcomes after injury and surgery, including worse pain. Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can affect the perception of pain. Pain can also exacerbate or contribute to the development of mental illness after injury. Interventions to address both mental health and pain among orthopaedic trauma patients are critical. Balancing safety and comfort amid a drug overdose epidemic is challenging, and many clinicians do not feel comfortable addressing mental health or have the resources necessary. We reviewed the literature on the complex relationship between pain and mental health and presented examples of scalable and accessible interventions that can be implemented to promote the health and recovery of our patients. Interventions described include screening for depression in the orthopaedic trauma clinic and the emergency department or inpatient setting during injury and using a comprehensive and evidence-based multimodal pain management regimen that blends pharmacologic alternatives to opioids and physical and cognitive strategies to manage pain.

Trauma System Support to Facilitate Recovery

SUMMARY

Trauma is a major public health issue. Orthopaedic trauma surgeons are skilled in the acute management of musculoskeletal injury; however, formal training and resources have not been devoted to optimizing recovery after trauma. Recovery entails addressing the biomedical aspects of injury, as well as the psychological and social factors. The purposes of this study were to describe existing programs and resources within trauma centers, developed to promote psychosocial recovery. Supporting research data will be referenced, and potential barriers to program implementation will be discussed. The American College of Surgeons has mandated screening and treatment for mental illness after trauma, which will raise the bar to highlight the importance of these social issues, likely enabling providers to develop new programs and other resources within their systems. Provider education will promote the informing of patients and families, with the intent of enhancing the efficiency and scope of recovery.

Resources for Patient Mental Health and Well-being after Orthopaedic Trauma

Orthopaedic trauma is an unanticipated life-altering experience for patients. Additionally, the prevalence of psychiatric disorders has been found to be higher in patients with trauma than in the general adult population. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder have been reported in up to 56% of patients throughout their postoperative course. Furthermore, symptoms of any one of these illnesses have been consistently associated with worse patient outcomes after treatment of traumatic orthopaedic injuries. This includes increased levels of pain and disability, postoperative complications, and, in some cases, higher rates of hospital readmission. For most patients with trauma, focus is placed on physical therapy and rehabilitation in the acute postoperative setting to help patients regain function and strength; however, more recent studies have demonstrated equal importance of the social and psychological factors involved with trauma and their impact on outcomes. Therefore, it is essential for orthopaedic surgeons and other members of the care team to be adept in the screening and treatment of psychiatric disorders. For patients struggling with these conditions, several treatment resources exist, which can be used both during their admission and after discharge. Thus, earlier recognition and intervention with appropriate treatment and referrals should be emphasized to improve outcomes. This review discusses the social and psychological impacts of orthopaedic trauma on patients' mental health and well-being and outlines numerous resources available to patients as they recover from their injuries.

Recovery After Musculoskeletal Injury: Mental and Social Health

Recovery from injury involves painful movement and activity, painful stretches and muscle strengthening, and adjustment to permanent impairment. Recovery is facilitated by embracing the concept that painful movement can be healthy, which is easier when one has more hope, less worry, and greater social supports and security. Evolution of one's identity to match the new physical status is a hallmark of a healthy outcome and is largely determined by mental and social health factors. When infection, loss of alignment or fixation, and nerve issues or compartment syndrome are unlikely, greater discomfort and incapability that usual for a given pathology or stage of recovery signal opportunities for improved mental and social health. Surgeons may be the clinicians most qualified to make this discernment. A surgeon who has gained a patient's trust can start to noticed despair, worry, and unhelpful thinking such as fear of painful movement. Reorienting people to greater hope and security and a healthier interpretation of the pains associated with the body's recovery can be initiated by the surgeon and facilitated by social workers, psychologist, and physical, occupational and hand therapists trained in treatments that combine mental and physical therapies.

Depression Screening and Behavioral Health Integration in Musculoskeletal Trauma Care

OBJECTIVES

To report our experiences in implementing a behavioral health integration pathway, including a validated depression screening and referral to care.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Single surgeon's musculoskeletal trauma outpatient practice during calendar year 2019.

PATIENTS

All patients presenting to the practice during 2019 were included (n = 573).

INTERVENTION

We piloted the usage of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2 and PHQ-9 screening. An evidence-based, real-time treatment protocol embedded in the electronic health record was triggered when a patient screened positive for depression including an automated behavioral health integration pathway.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The percentage of patients screened, the results of the PHQ screening, and the number of patients referred and enrolled in behavioral health programs were collected.

RESULTS

Of the 573 patients, 476 (83%) received the PHQ-2 screening, 80 (14%) had a current screening on file (within 1 year), and 17 (3.0%) were not screened. One hundred seventy-two patients (36%) had a PHQ-2 score of 2 or greater and completed the PHQ-9; of them, 60 (35% of patients screened with full PHQ-9, 13% of patients screened) screened positive for symptoms of moderate depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10), and 19 (4.0%) reported passive suicidal ideation (PHQ-9 item 9). Fifty of these patients were referred to behavioral health through the pathway, and 8 patients enrolled in the program. Ten patients were not referred because of a technical error that was quickly resolved. Patients reporting suicidal ideation were managed with psychiatric crisis resources including immediate virtual consult in the examination room.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series demonstrates the feasibility of screening patients for depressive symptoms and making necessary referrals to behavioral health in outpatient musculoskeletal trauma care. We identified 50 patients with depression and appropriately triaged them for further care in our community.

The involvement of trauma survivors in hospital-based injury prevention, violence intervention and peer support programs: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Despite decades-long involvement of trauma survivors in hospital-based program delivery, their roles and impact on trauma care have not been previously described. We aimed to characterize the literature on trauma survivor involvement in hospital-based injury prevention, violence intervention and peer support programs to map what is currently known and identify future research opportunities.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Articles were identified through electronic databases and gray literature. Included articles described hospital-based injury prevention programs, violence intervention programs and peer support programs that involved trauma survivors leveraging their injury experiences to counsel others. Studies were screened and data were abstracted in duplicate. Data were synthesized generally and by program type.

RESULTS

Thirty-six published articles and four program reports were included. Peer support programs were described in 21 articles, mainly involving trauma survivors as mentors or peer supporters. Peer support programs' most commonly reported outcome was participant satisfaction (n = 6), followed by participant self-efficacy (n = 5), depression (n = 4), and community integration (n = 3). Eleven injury prevention studies were included, all involving trauma survivors as speakers in youth targeted programs. Injury prevention studies commonly reported outcomes of participants' risk behaviors and awareness (n = 9). Violence intervention programs were included in four articles involving trauma survivors as intervention counsellors. Recidivism rate was the most commonly reported outcome (n = 3). Variability exists across and within program types when reporting on involved trauma survivors' gender, age, selection and training, duration of involvement and number of survivors involved. Outcomes related to trauma survivors' own experiences and the impacts to them of program involvement were under-studied.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant opportunity exists to fill current knowledge gaps in trauma survivors' involvement in trauma program delivery. There is a need to describe more fully who involved trauma survivors are to inform the development of effective future interventions.

Peer support for traumatic injury survivors: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Peers are uniquely able to draw on their lived experiences to support trauma survivors' recovery. By understanding the functions and outcomes of peer support and the factors that impact implementation, evidence can be mobilized to enhance its application and uptake into standard practice. As such, we aimed to review the literature on peer support for trauma survivors to: examine the role of peer support in recovery; describe the nature and extent of peer support; Examine the influence of peer support on health and well-being; and identify the barriers and facilitators to developing and implementing peer support.

METHODS

Scoping review methodology as outlined by Arksey and O'Malley.

RESULTS

Ninety-three articles were reviewed. Peer support was highlighted as an important component of care for trauma survivors and provided hope and guidance for the future post-injury. Most peer support programs were offered in the community and provided one-on-one support from peer mentors using various modalities. Interventions were successful when they involved knowledgeable peer mentors and maintained participant engagement. Prior negative experiences and stigma/privacy concerns deterred trauma survivors from participating.

CONCLUSIONS

Peer support fulfills several functions throughout trauma survivors' recovery that may not otherwise be met within existing health care systems. Implications for rehabilitationBy understanding the functions and outcomes and the factors that impact implementation of peer support, evidence can be mobilized to enhance its application and uptake into standard practice.Peers provide trauma survivors with socioemotional support as well as assistance in daily management and life navigation post-injury.Peer support provided hope and guidance for the future after injury and improved self-efficacy amongst trauma survivors.Peer support programs are most likely to be successful when they involve knowledgeable peer mentors, are flexibly delivered, align with organizations' values and priorities, and have adequate resources and funding to support their implementation.

Treating trauma more effectively: A review of psychosocial programming

IMPORTANCE

Traumatic events are the leading cause of life-altering disability in adults of working age. The management of patients with traumatic injury has substantially improved due to development of sophisticated trauma centers increasing survival after injury. Unlike the adoption of the trauma system framework, the same has not occurred with specialized trauma recovery services to include mental and social health needs. This literature review will discuss unique issues facing trauma survivors, some current recovery programs available, outcomes and benefits of these programs, and barriers that impair widespread incorporation.

OBSERVATIONS

Studies have shown that patients with traumatic injury experience reduction in quality of life and concurrent threats to mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use disorder, and recreational substance abuse. Patients with traumatic injury also have high recidivism rates, low pain management satisfaction, and poor engagement in care following injury. Screening efforts for PTSD, mental illness, and alcohol and substance abuse are more widely available interventions. Early coordinated efforts included dedicated multidisciplinary recovery teams. Recently, more methodical and organized programs, such as the Trauma Survivors Network, trauma collaborative care, Trauma Recovery Services, and Center of Trauma Survivorship, have been implemented.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The enrollment of patients with traumatic injury in novel programs to enhance recovery has led to heightened self-efficacy, better coping mechanisms, and increased use of mental health services. Additionally, trauma recovery services have been shown to reduce recidivism and have generated cost savings for hospital systems. While positive outcomes have been demonstrated, they are not consistently predictable. Barriers for widespread implementation include limitations of time, funding, and institutional support. This article describes models of successful programs initiated within some trauma centers, which may be duplicated to serve future trauma survivors.

Functional Outcome After Nonoperative Treatment of a Proximal Humeral Fracture in Adults

BACKGROUND

The functional outcome following nonoperative treatment of a proximal humeral fracture and the factors that influence it are poorly defined. We aimed to prospectively assess patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in a patient cohort at 1 year after the injury.

METHODS

In this study, 774 adult patients sustaining a proximal humeral fracture completed PROM assessments, including the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), the EuroQol-5 Dimensions-3 Levels (EQ-5D-3L), and visual analog scale (VAS) assessments of pain, health, and overall treatment satisfaction at 1 year. The mean patient age was 65.6 years, and 73.8% of patients were female. The influences of demographic and fracture measurements and complications on the OSS and EQ-5D-3L were assessed.

RESULTS

The 1-year mean scores were 33.2 points (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.1 to 34.2 points) for the OSS and 0.58 (95% CI, 0.55 to 0.61) for the EQ-5D-3L. There was considerable heterogeneity in the reported scores, and the 3 demographic variables of higher levels of dependency, higher levels of social deprivation, and a history of affective (mood) disorder were most consistently associated with poorer outcomes, accounting for between 37% and 43% of the score variation. The initial fracture translation potentially leading to nonunion accounted for 9% to 15% of the variation, and a displaced tuberosity fracture was also predictive of 1% to 4% of the outcome variation. There was evidence of a ceiling effect for the OSS, with 238 patients (30.8%) having a score of ≥47 points but a mean outcome satisfaction of only 72.9 points, and this effect was more pronounced in younger, active individuals. At the other end of the spectrum, 239 patients (30.9%) reported an OSS of ≤24 points, and 120 patients (15.5%) had a "worse-than-death" EQ-5D-3L score.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonoperative treatment of proximal humeral fractures produces considerable variation in shoulder-specific and general health outcomes at 1 year, and a substantial proportion of patients have poor perceived functional outcomes. The outcome for the majority of less-displaced fractures is mainly influenced by preexisting patient-related psychosocial factors, although the fracture-related factors of displacement, nonunion, and tuberosity displacement account for a small but measurable proportion of the variation and the poorer outcomes in the minority with more severe injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cognitive-Behavioral-Based Physical Therapy for Improving Recovery After Traumatic Orthopaedic Lower Extremity Injury (CBPT-Trauma)

SUMMARY

Physical and psychological impairment resulting from traumatic injuries is often significant and affects employment and functional independence. Extremity trauma has been shown to negatively affect long-term self-reported physical function, the ability to work, and participation in recreational activities and contributes to increased rates of anxiety and/or depression. High pain levels early in the recovery process and psychosocial factors play a prominent role in recovery after traumatic lower extremity injury. Cognitive-behavioral therapy pain programs have been shown to mitigate these effects. However, patient access issues related to financial and transportation constraints and the competing demands of treatment focused on the physical sequelae of traumatic injury limit patient participation in this treatment modality. This article describes a telephone-delivered cognitive-behavioral-based physical therapy (CBPT-Trauma) program and design of a multicenter trial to determine its effectiveness after lower extremity trauma. Three hundred twenty-five patients from 7 Level 1 trauma centers were randomized to CBPT-Trauma or an education program after hospital discharge. The primary hypothesis is that compared with patients who receive an education program, patients who receive the CBPT-Trauma program will have improved physical function, pain, and physical and mental health at 12 months after hospital discharge.

'Being a patient the rest of my life'- The influence of patient participation during recovery after brachial plexus injury

BACKGROUND

Given the modest functional outcomes seen after surgical reconstruction and subsequent therapy, increasing attention is being directed to patient satisfaction and psychological aspects of recovery after brachial plexus injury (BPI).

PURPOSE

To better understand the recovery course after surgical reconstruction for BPI, we used qualitative interviews and focused on common points of frustration for patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative, interpretive description study METHODS: We conducted semi-structured interviews with BPI patients who were 6+ months post-surgical reconstruction. The interview focused on the patients' experience with BPI, focusing on emotional aspects of recovery. Interviews were transcribed and independently coded by 2 researchers. We used inductive and deductive analysis to organize codes into themes. Once thematic saturation was reached, no additional interviews were conducted.

RESULTS

We interviewed 15 BPI patients at median 13 months after surgery (range: 6-43 months). Our analysis revealed: (1) BPI patients expressed variable degrees of participation during recovery, with the indeterminate state of function making it difficult to adjust to life after BPI. (2) The uncertainty while waiting for improved function is frustrating to BPI patients, with many patients expressing concern for activities and moments they are missing due to injury. (3) While many BPI patients feel left out of decision-making, those who felt engaged in the process expressed less frustration and more acceptance of their status.

CONCLUSION

Traumatic BPI patients those who felt engaged in decision-making were more receptive to adjustment to their new state of function. When coordinating multidisciplinary care, measures to encourage patients to feel agency over their outcome and to develop self-management skills have the potential to improve patient satisfaction.

Catalyzing the Translation of Patient-Centered Research Into United States Trauma Care Systems: A Case Example

BACKGROUND

The expedient translation of research findings into sustainable intervention procedures is a longstanding health care system priority. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has facilitated the development of "research done differently," with a central tenet that key stakeholders can be productively engaged throughout the research process. Literature review revealed few examples of whether, as originally posited, PCORI's innovative stakeholder-driven approach could catalyze the expedient translation of research results into practice.

OBJECTIVES

This narrative review traces the historical development of an American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) policy guidance, facilitated by evidence supplied by the PCORI-funded studies evaluating the delivery of patient-centered care transitions. Key elements catalyzing the guidance are reviewed, including the sustained engagement of ACS/COT policy stakeholders who have the capacity to invoke system-level implementation strategies, such as regulatory mandates linked to verification site visits. Other key elements, including the encouragement of patient stakeholder voice in policy decisions and the incorporation of end-of-study policy summits in pragmatic comparative effectiveness trial design, are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Informed by comparative effectiveness trials, ACS/COT policy has expedited introduction of the patient-centered care construct into US trauma care systems. A comparative health care systems conceptual framework for transitional care which incorporates Research Lifecycle, pragmatic clinical trial and implementation science models is articulated. When combined with Rapid Assessment Procedure Informed Clinical Ethnography (RAPICE), employed as a targeted implementation strategy, this approach may accelerate the sustainable delivery of high-quality patient-centered care transitions for US trauma care systems.