Affordable, Tailored Therapy for Financially Vulnerable People With Trauma-related Injuries

Trauma-related injuries can have substantial long-term consequences for functioning, participation, and quality of life. Financial vulnerability is associated with both an increased risk of traumatic injury and poorer recovery outcomes. Financially vulnerable patients may experience barriers in accessing physical therapy, obtaining assistive devices, arranging transportation, or prioritizing rehabilitation alongside competing financial demands.

Despite the recognized importance of physical therapy in trauma rehabilitation, little is known about the specific needs of financially vulnerable individuals. This study aims to develop a conceptual understanding of these needs using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, participant observations, and supplementary qualitative sources such as documents, photographs, videos, and social media content provided voluntarily by participants.

Participants will be adults with trauma-related injuries and self-reported financial concerns living in the Netherlands. Recruitment will follow purposive, snowball, and theoretical sampling principles. Data collection and analysis will proceed iteratively until theoretical saturation is achieved. Findings are expected to contribute to more accessible and tailored physical therapy services for financially vulnerable trauma survivors.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Trauma-related injury with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16
• Injury occurred between 3 months and 2 years prior to participation
• Self-reported financial concerns
• Living in the Netherlands
• Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Unable to understand or speak Dutch
• Cognitive impairment preventing participation in interviews
• Severe mental health conditions preventing meaningful participation
• Life expectancy less than 3 months