Use of simulation in the rehabilitation of an anesthesiologist injured in the workplace

摘要

A major traumatic hand injury can lead to profound functional disability, psychologic distress, and prolonged rehabilitation for an anesthesiologist. Hand reconstruction and early rehabilitation are the cornerstones of treatment. Clinical simulation to replicate the specific clinical work demands was reported to accelerate return to work. Nevertheless, these approaches are focused on physical capabilities, ignoring that psychologic aspects have a relevant influence on recovery. One-third of hand injured patients have to change work or retire early, and they were more often re-injured at work. We studied the use of clinical simulation for hand therapy (HT) after thumb autograft in an anesthesiologist, providing psychologic, physical, and functional measures during the process. We expected this strategy would facilitate readaptation to clinical demands and would be effective for an early and safe return to work.