A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Psycho-socioeconomic Outcomes after Road Traffic Orthopedic Injuries: Perspectives from Rwandan Victims and Healthcare Providers

Background: The burden of road traffic injury-related deaths and disabilities is disproportionately high in low- and middle-income nations. Extremity injuries impair people’s ' quality of life (QOL) in addition to the physical limitations that affect their ability to function at work and at school. This qualitative study investigated the psycho-socioeconomic effects and alterations in quality of life (QOL) among trauma patients in Rwanda because of road orthopedic injuries (RTOI). Methods A multicenter study conducted from June 2022 to August 2022 involved 45 individuals from five referral hospitals in Rwanda, who participated in in-depth interviews. Two years after the injury, the study translated and transcribed interviews with 21 RTOI victims treated at these hospitals. The study also interviewed 24 medical professionals, including physiotherapists, emergency physicians, nurses, and orthopedic surgeons. Data was coded and analyzed using NVivo, with methodological rigor achieved through double-coding and debating results. Findings: Our study highlights the challenges faced by healthcare providers and RTI victims in Rwanda, including insufficient resources, long waiting times, inadequate infrastructure, and a complex referral system. These issues impair therapeutic effectiveness and prolong hospitalizations, particularly for rural patients. Timely management of RTIs, including access to physiotherapy, early medical procedures, and psychological follow-up, is crucial for enhancing functional outcomes. Training of emergency and trauma management personnel could involve establishing basic training programs, facilitating equipment availability, setting up trauma centers, and specialised nurses. Conclusion The study highlights the psycho-socioeconomic impacts of road traffic orthopedic injuries in Rwanda, affecting victims and healthcare providers. These injuries cause physical health issues, work disruptions, social isolation, financial pressure, and psychological suffering. Strategies to improve outcomes include patient satisfaction surveys, multidisciplinary teams, timely management, good rehabilitation services, and trauma training.