PhD Marjolein van der Vlegel

Injuries are a significant global health concern, contributing to 9% of annual deaths worldwide. Despite advancements in trauma care, survivors grapple with both short and long-term challenges, including physical and mental health issues. This thesis investigates patient outcomes (part I) and costs (part II) post-injury. Part I focuses on assessing outcomes in injury patients and traumatic brain injury patients, highlighting the prevalence of physical and mental health issues and their impact on quality of life, healthcare usage, and return to work. Part II delves into the economic burdens of injuries, revealing variations in healthcare and productivity costs influenced by factors such as injury severity, age, and gender. The research underscores the importance of long-term care planning to mitigate costs and support comprehensive recovery, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions addressing both physical and mental well-being.