title: Rehabilitation of Danish veterans with spinal cord injuries during international missions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the past decades, Danish soldiers have participated more frequently in combat which has resulted in an increased number of severe injuries. The aim of this study was to describe the initial treatment and rehabilitation as well as the level of function, employment, social relations, participation in leisure time activities, health, quality of life (QoL) and late complications at a follow-up in six veterans who sustained a spinal cord injury (SCI) during international military missions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Medical records were retrieved regarding the initial treatment and rehabilitation. Questionnaires based on international experience related to SCI were used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The six male veterans were generally satisfied with their rehabilitation and found that they had influenced its course. All veterans had consultation with psychologists during hospitalisation, and two were advised to attend further consultations with military psychologists following discharge. The length of hospitalisation corresponded to the mean hospitalisation period for SCI patients in Denmark. At discharge, the veterans were independent with regard to clothing, toileting and mobility. All resumed work after discharge, five in the military. Satisfaction with their current work was related to whether their work skills corresponded to the work tasks at hand. Four found that their QoL was very good, one that it was satisfactory, another that it was unsatisfactory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Danish veterans with SCI were generally satisfied with their initial rehabilitation. They regained independence, and all returned to work.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  government funding via the Veteran's policy programme.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  GLO-2012-10.
authors.affiliation: Afdeling for Rygmarvsskader, Glostrup Hospital, Havnevej 25, 3100 Hornbæk, Denmark. nicolaj.jersild.holm.01@regionh.dk.
authors.forename: Nicolaj Jersild
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Holm
authors.forename: Bodil Bjørnshave
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Noe
authors.forename: Dorte Dahl
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Fin
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Biering-Sørensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003718:Denmark; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D062707:Return to Work; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology; D014857:Warfare