Psychological sequelae of hand injuries: an integrative review

Abstract

This integrative review investigated reports of psychological impact and sequelae of traumatic hand injuries. A systematic search using Medline, PsychINFO, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and hand-searching methods was conducted from 2008 to 2020. Nine included articles with a total of 503 participants were reported in prospective cross-sectional or longitudinal cohort studies. Depression and anxiety were common, affecting between 7% and 71% and between 23% and 71% of patients, respectively. Post-traumatic stress disorder affected between 3% and 95% of patients. Factors reported predicting psychological sequelae of hand injuries included injury severity, pain, limb dysfunction, negative perceptions of injured limbs, suboptimal coping mechanisms and limited social support. Symptoms persisted for protracted periods of follow-up but broadly attenuated after 3 months. We conclude that the high prevalence and enduring nature of psychological symptoms demonstrate an urgent need for further research to optimize treatment. Level of evidence: III