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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery

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Open Access 28-06-2022 | Polytrauma | Original Article

Post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients after 20+ years: a long-term follow-up study of 337 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center

Authors: Yannik Kalbas, Sascha Halvachizadeh, Yohei Kumabe, Anna Theresa Luidl, Jennifer Lynne Steel, Boris A. Zelle, Paolo Cinelli, Hans-Christoph Pape, Roman Pfeifer

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 3/2023

Abstract

Purpose

There is limited research on the long-term psychiatric outcomes of polytraumatized patients. Existing studies focus mainly on the negative sequelae. Post-traumatic growth (PTG) describes positive personal development after severe physical or mental distress. In this study, we investigated post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients at least 20 years after trauma.

Methods

Patients treated for polytrauma at a German level 1 trauma center between 1971 and 1990, were contacted 20+ years later. A questionnaire with 37 questions from the stress-related growth scale (SRGS) and the post-traumatic growth inventory (PGI) was administered. PTG was quantified in five specific areas. PTG and patient demographics were then analyzed using logistic regression.

Results

Eligible questionnaires were returned by 337 patients. 96.5% of patients reported improvements regarding at least one of the 37 questions. Approximately, a third of patients noticed distinct improvements regarding their relationship to others (29.2%), appreciation of life (36.2%) and attitudes towards new possibilities (32.5%). Patient demographics were significant predictors for the development of PTG: Older (p < 0.001), female (p = 0.042) and married patients (p = 0.047) showed a greater expression of PTG. We also saw significantly more PTG in patients with higher injury severity (p = 0.033).

Conclusion

20 years after polytrauma, patients report improvements in their relationship with others, appreciation of life and attitude towards new possibilities. Women and married patients show higher expression of PTG. Furthermore, there is higher expression of PTG with higher age and injury severity. Post-traumatic growth should be identified and fostered in clinical practice.

Level of evidence

III—prospective long-term follow-up study.

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Title: Post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients after 20+ years: a long-term follow-up study of 337 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center
Authors: Yannik Kalbas
Sascha Halvachizadeh
Yohei Kumabe
Anna Theresa Luidl
Jennifer Lynne Steel
Boris A. Zelle
Paolo Cinelli
Hans-Christoph Pape
Roman Pfeifer
Publication date: 28-06-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Polytrauma
Polytrauma
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 3/2023
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-02022-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Post-traumatic growth in polytraumatized patients after 20+ years: a long-term follow-up study of 337 patients treated at a level 1 trauma center

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Level of evidence

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