Long-term health-related quality of life and independence among older survivors of serious injury.

Background: Little is known about the recovery experiences of older trauma intensive care unit (TICU) survivors and the relationship between geriatric trauma care and long-term functional ability and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 218 patients (age, ≥65 years) admitted to a Level 1 regional trauma center TICU before versus after implementation of a geriatric care bundle with protocolized geriatrics consultations (Geri-T). Survivors or their proxies were interviewed approximately 1 year after hospitalization.