Implementing a tailored approach for the hand-injured patient: a prospective study on the evolution of the posttraumatic psychic distress.

Mutilating hand injuries are frequently associated with the development of psychic impairments such as posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, regression of the personality, and refusal of the disease. The psychic distress acts as a source of disability that outweighs the functional loss, causing impairments that may prevent a full recovery after the accident. The present study highlights the need for nurses to be familiar with the emotional response in the patients, to implement a specialized and comprehensive approach and detect stress points that may require early intervention.