Treating a Serious Side Effect

Recently, OHSU research revealed an interesting statistic which is being echoed in news headlines:

Here’s an excerpt from some of the coverage:

While past studies have documented PTSD symptoms in trauma, cancer and organ transplant patients, the new study from the Oregon Health & Science University is among the first to monitor for PTSD symptoms in patients undergoing an elective medical procedure, according to Robert Hart, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, professor of orthopedics and rehabilitation, and senior author of the study.

“It is maybe not surprising that significant surgical interventions have psychological as well as physical impacts,” he said. “I think it means that we in the medical community need to monitor for these effects in our patients and to manage them when they occur.”

Dr. Hart and his colleagues say this finding shows we need to closely monitor patients and proactively look for individuals who are at risk prior to surgery.

Also from news coverage:

“At the end of the day, I hope this will make changes in the way we prepare people for surgery, to reduce these psychological impacts,” he said. “This is analogous to how we currently optimize patients’ physical condition before major surgery.

More info:

OHSU Orthopedics