Stress in Trauma Patients in Triage Categories 3-5

Assessment of Acute Stress and Main Sources of Concern Among Trauma Patients in Triage Categories 3-5 in the Emergency Department: A Prospective Observational Study

The aim of this study is to better understand what causes patients the most concern immediately after an injury. We would like to find out how stressed patients are and whether the main causes of stress are pain, fear regarding the severity of the injury, the possibility of surgery, uncertainty about treatment, concerns about family, children, work, finances, or something else.

Traumatic injuries are a common reason for seeking care in an Emergency Department. Beyond the physical effects of an injury, patients may also experience considerable emotional stress. They may worry about pain, how serious the injury is, whether surgery will be necessary, how long recovery will take, possible long-term consequences, and how the injury may affect their family, children, work, or financial situation.

In patients who are medically stable, especially those with less immediately life-threatening injuries, this emotional burden is not always assessed in a structured way. However, these patients are often able to complete a short questionnaire about their concerns and stress. Understanding their experiences may help healthcare professionals improve communication, provide clearer information, and offer better support during emergency care.

The aim of this study is to measure acute stress in trauma patients and identify the concerns that matter most to them shortly after injury. For patients who are admitted to the hospital, the study will also examine how stress levels and the main sources of concern change during the first 24 hours after admission.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years or older.
2. Presentation to the Emergency Department because of an acute traumatic injury.
3. Triage category 3, 4, or 5.
4. Clinical stability after the initial assessment.
5. Ability to understand the study information and the questionnaire.
6. Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Triage category 1 or 2 (an acutely life-threatening condition or an immediate need for emergency medical or surgical intervention; hemodynamic or respiratory instability).
2. Severe impairment of consciousness, disorientation, or inability to cooperate.
3. Inability to provide informed consent; cognitive impairment or a language barrier preventing comprehension of the questions.
4. Severe alcohol or drug intoxication preventing valid completion of the questionnaire.
5. A situation in which completion of the questionnaire is inappropriate for medical, ethical, or organizational reasons.