The invisible scars: Unseen financial complications worsen every aspect of long-term health in trauma survivors

Abstract

BACKGROUND Trauma survivors are susceptible to experiencing financial toxicity (FT). Studies have shown the negative impact of FT on chronic illness outcomes. However, there is a notable lack of data on FT in the context of trauma. We aimed to better understand prevalence, risk factors, and impact of FT on trauma long-term outcomes. METHODS Adult trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥9 treated at Level I trauma centers were interviewed 6 months to 14 months after discharge. Financial toxicity was considered positive if patients reported any of the following due to the injury: income loss, lack of care, newly applied/qualified for governmental assistance, new financial problems, or work loss. The Impact of FT on Patient Reported Outcome Measure Index System (PROMIS) health domains was investigated. RESULTS Of 577 total patients, 44% (254/567) suffered some form of FT. In the adjusted model, older age (odds ratio [OR], 0.4; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.2–0.81) and stronger social support networks (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.26–0.74) were protective against FT. In contrast, having two or more comorbidities (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.01–3.28), lower education levels (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 95%, 1.26–3.03), and injury mechanisms, including road accidents (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.51–4.77) and intentional injuries (OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 1.44–12.86) were associated with higher toxicity. No significant relationship was found with ISS, sex, or single-family household. Patients with FT had worse outcomes across all domains of health. There was a negative linear relationship between the severity of FT and worse mental and physical health scores. CONCLUSION Financial toxicity is associated with long-term outcomes. Incorporating FT risk assessment into recovery care planning may help to identify patients most in need of mitigative interventions across the trauma care continuum to improve trauma recovery. Further investigations to better understand, define, and address FT in trauma care are warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.