The Establishment of a Clinical Protocol for Hostages Returning From Captivity

Introduction: Few studies have reported on the clinical care of hostages released from captivity. This study aims to describe the establishment of a clinical protocol for hostages returning from captivity. Methods: This study describes the process of creating procedures for the implementation of the clinical protocol itself. The study was conducted at Shamir Medical Center (SMC) and assessed the outcomes of 24 returning hostages. Data collected included the clinical protocol for receiving the returning hostages and the returning hostages’ demographics and clinical data. Results: All returning hostages were foreign workers, and all but one were from the same nationality. The majority group of 23 returning hostages from the same nationality received testing for Q-fever, Hepatitis B, and HIV. Orthopedic, dermatological, and ear, nose, and throat consultation, chest and limb X-ray, head and abdominal CT scans, and antibiotics were also utilized by the majority. The returning hostage from a different nationality of origin utilized consults with an ENT, hearing test, and tests for Q-fever, urine toxicology, Hepatitis B, and HIV. Among the majority group, the mean percentage loss of body weight was 10%±10%. No correlation was found between age and change in weight (rho = -0.227; p=0.350). In addition, 17.4% tested positive for Q fever, 30.4% tested positive for Hepatitis B, and 13% tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease. They spent a mean of 5±1 days hospitalized. The sole hostage lost 15% of his body weight, tested positive for Q fever, and spent three days hospitalized. Consults with social workers and dietitians, translators, and Covid-19 tests were used by all returning hostages. Conclusion: This novel clinical protocol was successfully utilized in real time and may serve as a framework for the complex and sensitive clinical management of returning hostages, in case of need.