Clinical characteristics and physical functioning in persons hospitalized following the Norwegian terror attacks in July 2011: A follow up study

Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and physical functioning in persons hospitalized after 2 terror attacks in Norway in 2011.

Design: Cross-sectional study with retrospective acute medical data.

Subjects: Surviving persons hospitalized with physical injuries.

Methods: Medical and psychological assessments 3-4 years after injury, with data on injury type and severity collected from medical records.

Results: A total of 30 out of 43 potential subjects participated (19 women, 11 men; age range 17-71 years (median 23 years)). Eighteen participants had suffered a severe injury, with New Injury Severity Scale (NISS) scores > 15. All body parts were affected. The number of surgical procedures ranged from 0 to 22 (median 3), and days in intensive care ranged from 0 to 59 (median 2.5), of which 16 had more than 24 h intensive care. Three to 4 years later, a majority of the participants had a broad spectrum of somatic and psychological problems and reduced physical functioning. Two-thirds of the participants reported their physical health to be unsatisfactory, and continuous need for healthcare and unmet needs were identified for all except 4 of the participants.

Conclusion: Persons hospitalized following a terror attack experience a broad spectrum of somatic and psychological problems and need long-term physical and psychological follow-up. This study indicates specific needs for rehabilitation after injuries acquired under psychological traumatic circumstances.