Trauma System Support to Facilitate Recovery

Trauma is a major public health issue. Orthopaedic trauma surgeons are skilled in the acute management of musculo-skeletal 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.

Automated summary

Trauma is a significant public health issue and orthopaedic trauma surgeons lack formal training and resources for optimizing recovery after trauma. This study aims to describe existing programs and resources for promoting psychosocial recovery and discuss potential barriers to program implementation.