Psychosocial support in rehabilitation after orthopedic injuries.
OBJECTIVE
Several studies have shown that psychosocial factors play a significant role in the recovery process after injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether psychosocial support would have a beneficial effect on outcome.


METHODS
A total of 151 patients with orthopedic injuries were randomized into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group was offered a psychosocial support program during the early phase of rehabilitation.


RESULTS
One year after the injury, patients in the control group had an excess risk of having psychiatric complaints compared with patients in the intervention group (odds ratio = 2.74). They also reported a poorer quality of life according to Short Formula 36 Health Survey subscores for General Health (odds ratio = 2.3) and Vitality (odds ratio = 2.45). The length of the sick leave period did not differ between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychosocial support during the early phase of rehabilitation after orthopedic injuries may have a beneficial effect on outcome when measured as quality of life.
Ponzer
S
S
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Orthopaedics at Stockholm Söder Hospital, Sweden. sari.ponzer@ortoped.sos.sll.se
Molin
U
U
Johansson
S E
SE
Bergman
B
B
Törnkvist
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D018582:Sick Leave; D012944:Social Support