Depression among trauma patients.

Background: Depression has been studied in many patient populations and has been found to significantly impact the course of illness, recovery, and outcome.

Objectives: Depression among the trauma patient population is under-recognized by health practitioners and precludes patient participation with rehabilitation-related activities, which ultimately leads to delayed recovery from traumatic injuries.

Methods: This descriptive study evaluated in-hospital depression in patients admitted to trauma services in an urban level II trauma center by using a depression scale and chart review. Results were correlated with patients' self-reported degree of recovery during a follow-up phone call 6 months after hospital discharge.

Results: There was no significant correlation between recovery and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score, Injury Severity Scale, or length of stay. Although no significant correlations were found, more than one-half of the patients who went to a rehabilitation facility reported recovery, whereas only 1 of the 4 patients who did not go to a rehabilitation facility reported recovery.

Discussion: The findings suggest that medical funding with rehabilitation benefits is more predictive of patient's perception of recovery than in-hospital depression. Limitations of this study were significant, including patient population changes and administrative restructuring. Evaluation of those limitations may lead to increased support for bedside nurses to engage in research aimed at contributing to evidence-based practice.