Psychosocial support in rehabilitation after orthopedic injuries

Objective: Several studies have shown that psychosocial factors play a sign ificant role in the recovery process after injuries. The aim of this study was to investigate whether psychosocial support would have a beneficial eff ect on outcome. Methods: A total of 151 patients with orthopedic injuries were randomized i nto an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group was o ffered a psychosocial support program during the early phase of rehabilitat ion. Results: One year after the injury, patients in the control group had an ex cess risk of having psychiatric complaints compared with patients in the in tervention group (odds ratio = 2.74). They also reported a poorer quality o f life according to Short Formula 36 Health Survey subscores for General He alth (odds ratio = 2.3) and Vitality (odds ratio = 2.45). The length of the sick leave period did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Psychosocial support during the early phase of rehabilitation a fter orthopedic injuries may have a beneficial effect on outcome when measu red as quality of life.