Functional outcome related to occupation after orthopedic trauma of upper and lower extremity

Abstract

Context: In today's healthcare scenario, increased emphasis is being placed on patient centred care and patient satisfaction. Despite its importance, little work has been done to analyse functional outcome related to occupation after trauma. Aims: To evaluate return to work-after one year of major orthopaedic trauma, how patient's satisfaction regarding functional outcome co-relates with other outcome measures. Settings and Design: Institution based prospective study. Materials and Methods: Prospective study of cases admitted randomly through the emergency department at our hospital. The cases were managed as per standard protocols and evaluated at 6 months and 1 year with respect to their ability to resume their previous job. Statistical Analysis Used: Randomised study on patients who met the eligibility criteria. Results: After 6 months, most patients (74%) could not return to work or required job modifications. At 1 year follow up, almost 41% could return to their previous job although another 40% required job modifications. 75 cases at 6 months and another 59 cases at 1 year were lost. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that a number of demographic, occupational, psychosocial, economical, institutional factors are significant predictors of return to work after minor to moderate non-life threatening orthopaedic trauma.