Multidisciplinary Team Experiences of Challenges to Early Rehabilitation Care in Multiple Trauma Patients in Iran: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Trauma is one of the major non-communicable diseases of this century and one of the main problems threatening public health. Trauma injuries are the leading cause of disability and mortality in all countries. This study aimed to explore and understand the challenges of early rehabilitation care in multiple trauma patients from the experience of a multidisciplinary care team using a qualitative research method. Methods: This study was conducted with the qualitative research approach using qualitative content analysis. Participants were seven nurses, two doctors, three physiotherapies, and two occupational therapists in inpatient wards and outpatient trauma were interviewed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sampling continued until data saturation. Analysis of data collected concurrently with data for comparison was done. Results: First, for depth descriptions of the participant statements, 800 codes were extracted and finally, for the analysis, and constant comparison, two main themes of the lack of holistic care and support structure were extracted. Conclusion: The results showed that comprehensive and rehabilitation-based care was essential to achieve important care goals in this group of patients. Understanding the challenges of early rehabilitation care in multiple trauma patients will help health policymakers that solve these problems and help improve the health of this group.