Ukrainian war trauma patients abroad: the rehabilitation process in light of language barriers, cultural differences, war, and infection isolation.

The sample size was very small (14 patients and 15 health professionals) from a single department in one hospital, limiting generalizability. Only descriptive statistics were used; no inferential analysis was possible. Selection bias is likely, as satisfied patients are more likely to participate, and those with severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Recall bias may affect patient reports, especially for those interviewed months after discharge. The lead researcher was a physician at the hospital and involved in patient care, which introduces potential bias in data collection and analysis. There was a discrepancy between patient reports (isolation hurt mood but not rehab) and staff perceptions (isolation hindered rehab), with no objective measure to resolve this.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study was financed by the University of Oslo, Norway.

Do not assume that patient-reported high satisfaction and good mood reflect low psychosocial distress. Health professionals perceived significant strain from war trauma and isolation, while patients underreported negative impacts on rehabilitation, suggesting a potential gap in understanding patient experiences.