The following case study, expertly managed by orthopaedic rehabilitation specialist and Case Manager, Katherine Keenan, demonstrates the spiralling effects of multi-trauma injuries and the importance of professional support. It highlights Katherine’s prominent involvement, not only in providing holistic rehabilitation to support injuries obtained following a terrifying car accident, but also how the help provided generated essential skills to continue living a long and healthy life.
Case Summary
Case Manager: Katherine Keenan
Claim Type: Multi-trauma car accident
Injury Details: Bruise on the back of the brain, Lower back pain, Anxiety
Background Information
Jason* was involved in a car where the entire vehicle was flipped upside down. He sustained multiple physical injuries and experienced severe psychological symptoms as a result of the trauma.
Jason had been working as a carer and was involved in the manual handling of patients who were unable to move independently. Following his accident, he was unable to continue this role and had to leave his job, leaving him unemployed and physically unable to seek another job.
Jason never imagined that his ability to move, a huge aspect of his profession, would be taken from him, leaving him isolated and without employment.
Symptoms at Referral
Bruise on the back of the brain
The CT scan provided by the hospital immediately following his accident stated that the bruising on Jason’s brain would heal without intervention, however he was referred for an NHS Neurology review, which was not administered before Corporé’s intervention.
Lower back pain
The pain level in Jason’s lower back peaked at 9/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). It caused left forearm numbness and intermittent pins and needles in his left thigh, as well as limited ability to walk, stand or partake in daily activities. However, he was unable to have an MRI on his back due to his high BMI. Jason’s solicitor arranged for him to receive private physiotherapy as an attempt to relieve symptoms, but even after 12 sessions, no improvement was reported.
Psychological distress
Low mood, frustration and anxiety were identified, especially with regards to driving or travelling, causing feelings of isolation.
Challenges/Barriers to Recovery
- Reduced movement and ability to partake in daily, regular activities due to back pain
- Unemployed with money concerns, but unable to return to physically demanding job
- Anxiety regarding travel- causing sleep deprivation and feelings of isolation
- No formal diagnosis of back pain and lack of improvement from physiotherapy
- High pre-injury BMI
- Delay in receiving Neurology assessments
Rehabilitation Goals
- Identify solutions to ease Jason’s lower back pain
- Provide Jason with access to all appropriate medical treatment and support to facilitate return to independence and daily activities
- Address Jason’s anxiety surrounding travel and minimise psychological concerns through treatment and support
- Explore return to work options, helping Jason seek alternative employment if required
Our Involvement
Neurological Treatment
Katherine organised a neurological assessment which confirmed the initial CT scan was correct and no further assessment or treatment was required.
Physical Treatment
Katherine arranged for Jason to receive trigger point injections to manage his lower back pain whilst she sought suitable MRI scanner options with a higher maximum weight allowance to identify cause of his back pain.
She also created a weight loss plan, coordinating a dietitian and a personal trainer with experience of back injuries, to ensure Jason could use an MRI machine, whilst also reducing the weight strain on his back.
Psychological Treatment
Katherine coordinated the support, assessment and treatment help from a Clinical Psychologist to address Jason’s anxiety and low mood and it was agreed he would partake in private counselling sessions.
Vocational Support
Katherine sat down with Jason many times over the course of his rehabilitation to assess his education and employment history, whilst identifying transferable skills that would help him get a new job. A portfolio of jobs was created outside of the care industry, highlighting to Jason his career potential.
In addition to this, CV development, motivational and interview skill training was provided to help coach and prepare Jason for interviews and new job applications and then meetings were arranged for him at the local job centre.
Outcomes
First of all, Jason achieved a three stone weight loss with his weight loss plan, meaning he was able to have an MRI scan to identify his back issues.
The MRI scan reported that Jason’s back symptoms had significantly improved following the trigger point injections. His weight loss and regular exercise also alleviated a lot of his pain and discomfort and therefore, no further investigations were required.
Due to the significant improvements made to Jason’s lower back, he found easier range of movement, meaning he was able to resume daily activities and felt empowered to seek employment once again.
The counselling sessions significantly minimised Jason’s psychological symptoms, allowing him to complete his sessions earlier than planned as he felt much more confident and able to travel, building his independence once again to actively seeking new employment. Since case closure, Jason has had a number of job interviews through the job centre, using his training to inspire more confidence and belief in himself.
“I am grateful for all of Corporé’s support with my recovery, and I am very happy with the outcome achieved.”
Injured Party, Jason
Before referral, Jason felt helpless, not able to see a future where he could thrive and be independent once more. With Katherine’s diligent attention to detail, determination to seek the best possible outcomes for Jason and knowledge of different support avenues that could help him, she was able to rebuild his life again. Now with a future full of possibilities, Jason is able to pursue life without the limitations from his injury holding him back, whilst using his new found knowledge of how to look after himself to ensure he continues to live an independent life.
*Name changed for confidentiality
