Psychoeducation as a Part of Stepped Care for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Adult Trauma Patients: A Quality Improvement Pilot Project
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Authors
Miller, Anthony
Issue Date
2023-04-11
Volume
Issue
Type
Manuscript
Language
Keywords
Psychoeducation , PTSD , Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , Stepped Care , PTSD Screening , PC-PTSD-5
Alternative Title
Abstract
Purpose: This quality improvement project implemented a stepped-care program consisting of bedside psychoeducation, post-hospitalization PTSD screening, and mental health referrals for adult trauma patients. Background: Traumatic injuries can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Medical institutions do not regularly screen for PTSD, and the mental health impairment caused by trauma is often overlooked and undermanaged (Bulger et al., 2022; Guess et al., 2019; Love & Zatzick, 2014). More can be done better to support the needs of these patients and mitigate the effects of PTSD across the trauma care paradigm. Sample/Setting: The setting was a mid-west Academic Hospital and Outpatient Trauma clinic. The sample included hospitalized adult traumatic injury patients who followed up in the outpatient trauma clinic. Participants were free from prior PTSD and cognitive impairment and were receptive to bedside psychoeducation. Under this protocol, 36 adults were educated and screened for PTSD. Methods: This was a quality improvement project where a select group of hospitalized adult trauma patients were provided bedside psychoeducation and screened with the PC-PTSD-5 screening tool during follow-up in a post-hospital appointment. Results: During the 8-week implementation period, 123 patients were evaluated for inclusion in the project; 18 of these individuals met the project’s inclusion criteria, were provided bedside psychoeducation, and were screened using the PC-PTSD-5 screening tool. Of those who were screened, three patients received a referral to a mental health provider. Conclusion: There is a need for consistent PTSD screening in the adult trauma population. It is necessary to have procedures that screen for PTSD that result in the appropriate provision of support if necessary. Standardization of this process will allow for improved identification of patients in need.
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Citation
Publisher
Creighton University
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Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University