What does major trauma patients’ healthcare experiences tell us about their needs post-injury: A systematic review

Abstract

This review explored major trauma patients (MTP) healthcare experiences and their subsequent needs post-injury. Four electronic databases (PsycInfo, Medline, CINAHL and PsychArticles) were searched in May 2023 for studies that were in English, peer-reviewed primary qualitative research and recruited MTP participants. Eleven studies incorporating perspectives of 305 MTP were included and analysed using thematic synthesis. Physical pain, psychological difficulties, vulnerability and powerlessness influence MTP healthcare experiences. MTP described the positive and negative experiences of staff interactions and the integral role of communication on their healthcare experiences. A need for follow-up care, rehabilitation and to acknowledge the barriers to regaining independence and normality, was also reported. Varying needs related to psychological support, information provision, rehabilitation and follow-up care, impacted on MTP healthcare experiences and their expectations from services. Developing a more nuanced understanding of perceived power dynamics between staff and MTP, and gaps in rehabilitation service provision, would enable services to pro-actively tackle these issues. A continued investigation of MTP communication needs is required to enhance the care of MTPs.