Abstract
BACKGROUND: The EU-funded ProtAct-Us project addresses a critical and often overlooked dimension of road safety: the long-term consequences of road traffic crashes (RTCs) on individuals’ physical, psychological, and socio-economic well-being. Despite significant advancements in emergency care and accident prevention, millions of Europeans suffer enduring effects from RTCs, which represent a substantial public health and social challenge. Previous studies carried out by the research group, including Rehabil-Aid, identified gaps in the long-term recovery from road traffic crash, reinforcing the rationale for this protocol. The study aims to evaluate the long-term physical, cognitive, psychological, and socio-economic consequences of RTCs among injured individuals, and to identify predictors that influence recovery outcomes and rehabilitation processes. METHODS: This multicentre, observational, longitudinal study will be carried out in Germany, Greece, and Italy. The target population includes adult individuals (≥18 years), involved in RTCs and enrolled in participating hospitals, trauma centres, accident scenes. An informed consent in accordance with national regulations will be collected. Data collection involves baseline assessment directly after the accident and follow-up at 12 months post-injury. Standardized and validated instruments will be used to collect data on quality of life (EQ-5D, Polytrauma-Outcome-Chart TOP), cognitive function (CFQ 2.0), psychological distress (CES-D), social support (MOS), and economic impact (Muarc). RESULTS: Descriptive statistics will summarize the data. Univariate and multivariate analyses will identify variables associated with recovery outcomes. Logistic regression models will be used to determine the predictors of long-term consequences. CONCLUSIONS: By combining medical, psychological, and socio-economic data, ProtAct-Us will provide a perspective on the real burden of RTCs and suggestions for reducing long-term effects on individuals and society. KEY MESSAGES: • Results are expected to support the development of targeted interventions, inform public policy, and reduce the societal and economic burden of traffic-related injuries across Europe. TOPIC: Study protocol, long-term effects of road accidents, recovery outcomes.