Perspectives on recovery from older adult trauma survivors living in rural areas

Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open

article

Emma R Duchin¹  Lisa Neisinger²  May J Reed³  Emma Gause⁴  Jody Sharninghausen⁵  Tam Pham⁶ 

[1]Harborview Medical Center

[2]University of Washington School of Nursing

[3]Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine , University of Washington

[4]Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center

[5]University of Washington School of Medicine

[6]Regional Burn Center , Harborview Medical Center

关键词: multiple trauma;    health care quality;    access;    and evaluation;    geriatrics;   

DOI  :  10.1136/tsaco-2021-000881

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: BMJ Publishing Group

【 摘 要 】

Background Older patients living in rural areas face unique challenges after trauma that may hinder optimal recovery. This study aims to qualitatively assess postdischarge challenges in this vulnerable population.Methods We conducted remote interviews with older trauma survivors in Washington State previously hospitalized in 2019 and residing in rural areas as determined by rural–urban commuting area code. Participants were identified through our institution’s trauma registry and linked with postdischarge data. All eligible participants were contacted. Interview questions focused on needs relating to discharge transition, medical needs, housing, and daily living. Transcribed interviews underwent content analysis to derive a code hierarchy and themes.Results We conducted 18 interviews out of 83 survivors queried. Compared with non-participants, interviewees had a higher rate of secondary insurance (61% vs 34%), and fewer had an emergency department visit within 1 year (22% vs 34%). Content analysis yielded four major themes: discharge transitions, loss of control, rural insights, and self-efficacy. Most patients felt prepared for discharge and had social support. Regardless of disposition type, most patients needed therapy sessions after discharge. Geography and transportation issues were among the biggest barriers. Most participants were never offered a telemedicine appointment but would have used it if offered. Subthemes of self-efficacy included financial security, leisure, personal outlook, physical and logistical resources, and participants’ support systems.Discussion Older trauma patients from rural areas face unique challenges after discharge. Key strategies to improve patient experience might include more telemedicine appointments and increased awareness of resources in rural communities.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC|CC BY|CC BY-NC-ND