Workgroup leaders: Marianna Havasi, Dominika Török
Contact: SZMCAD.B.JPTE@pte.hu, torok.dominika@pte.hu
The intersection of orthogeriatrics and traumatology is particularly relevant for elderly patients, who frequently suffer fractures and require complex care. This interdisciplinary field provides an opportunity for clinical psychologists to actively contribute to the physical and psychological well-being of elderly patients and facilitate the restoration of their quality of life following injuries.
Anxiety disorders, depression, and various forms of cognitive decline are common among elderly patients and can significantly impact the efficiency and outcomes of rehabilitation. Cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving, determine how well patients understand and complete rehabilitation tasks. Cognitive impairments, including dementia or delirium, can hinder cooperation and slow recovery.
Injuries and their consequences on mobility, coupled with hospital stays, impose additional psychological burdens on this vulnerable group, increasing the likelihood of stress-related mental health disorders.
The timely recognition of these psychological and neuropsychological factors is crucial for ensuring optimal care. Their management—through psychotherapy, psychoeducation, or pharmacotherapy—can substantially improve rehabilitation outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.
From the first days following hip fractures, psychologists play a vital role in helping patients regain emotional stability, reduce fears and pain-related anxiety, and strengthen emotional and cognitive resilience.
Key areas of psychological support include:
Prevention Programs: Delirium, fall, and osteoporosis prevention.
Psychodiagnostics: Emphasizing neuropsychological assessment and the identification of psychological and psychiatric issues to provide targeted and adequate therapeutic interventions.
Crisis Intervention: Mitigating the psychological impact of acute trauma, including stress related to sudden loss of mobility and prolonged immobility.
Psychoeducation: Informing patients and their families about the psychological aspects of rehabilitation to support acceptance and adherence to treatment.
Motivational Support: Using personalized psychological methods to overcome low motivation common in older age groups and increase commitment to rehabilitation.
Psychotherapy: Individual and group therapy aimed at reducing anxiety and depression.
Research directions include:
The impact of psychological conditions on rehabilitation.
The role and changes in cognitive functions.
The relationship between delirium and psychological factors.
The effectiveness of psychological interventions.
These psychological interventions can significantly enhance patients' return to physical activity.
At the institutional level, close collaboration between psychologists and traumatology and orthogeriatric specialists supports personalized, holistic patient care, focusing on promoting both physical and mental recovery.