Lived experiences of polytrauma patients in Germany – A qualitative analysis

Introduction More and more patients survive a major trauma. Only recently research tries to explore the health and work outcomes of those survivors.

Objectives The aim was to explore lived experiences of major trauma survivors in the German health system.

Material & Methods Exploratory interviews were performed with nine major trauma survivors (18-55 years; Injury Severity Score ≥16). The interviews were semi-structured in three blocks: (1) experiences from trauma to daily life, (2) ideas for optimization of healthcare processes & structures, (3) work ability & quality of life. The six interviews were held either in person or online in pairs or alone. For exploratory analysis an artificial intelligence-based coding software was used. Results were clustered by using the 'International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health' framework (ICF).

Results The main topics discussed focused on the health system itself (e.g. treatment, care, structure, processes) including unsatisfactory experiences (e.g. staff shortages), challenges regarding patients" health status (e.g. mental, and physical limitations), communication (e.g. patient-doctor, interprofessional) as well as daily activities (e.g. work life). Many patients described the importance of mobility and support from family and friends. The ICF analysis revealed that the experiences of patients are mainly shaped by Environmental factors (e.g. services, systems, and policies), Activity & Participation (e.g. communication, mobility) as well as Body function & structure (e.g. sensory function and pain).

Conclusion Major trauma survivors undergo a diverse spectrum of services and sectors during their path through the German health system. Several factors seem to influence their outcome. Some factors may be modifiable by changes to processes and structures of the German health system (e.g. point of contact), others through direct interventions with patients and health care personnel (e.g. communication).

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