Citation

Tupetz A, Barcenas LK, Isaacson JE, Nickenig Vissoci JR, Gerald V, Kingazi JR, Mushi I, Peter TA, Staton CA, Mmbaga BT, Bettger JP. Trauma care (Basel) 2022; 2(2): 341-358.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publications Institute)

DOI

10.3390/traumacare2020028

PMID

37274128

PMCID

PMC10238087

Abstract

After discharge from the hospital for traumatic injury, patients and their caregivers face a period of increased vulnerability. This adjustment phase is poorly characterized, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We explored the experiences of patients and their caregivers in Northern Tanzania after hospitalization for a traumatic injury. Patients who received care for traumatic injury at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center and their caregivers were selected as part of a convenience sample from January 2019 to December 2019. Analysts developed a codebook; content and analytic memos were subsequently created. We then applied the biopsychosocial model to further characterize our findings. Participants included 26 patients and 11 caregivers. Patients were mostly middle-aged (mean age 37.7) males (80.8%), residing in urban settings (57.7%), injured in road traffic accidents (65.4%), and who required surgery (69.2%). Most caregivers were female. Seven major themes arose: pain, decreased physical functioning, poor emotional health, lack of support, challenges with daily activities, financial strain, and obstacles to accessing healthcare. This study describes some of the difficulties transitioning back into the community after hospitalization for traumatic injury. Our work demonstrates the importance of mixed methods approaches in characterizing and addressing transitions of care challenges.

Language: en

Keywords

disability; injury; trauma; biopsychosocial; function; Tanzania; transitions of care