Early detection of posttraumatic stress disorder in children.
Surviving trauma patients are at an increased risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. An estimated 1 million American children develop some form (acute, chronic) of PTSD every year. The purpose of this study was to benchmark detection of PTSD in children at our trauma center against the national average and develop a guideline that would identify children who might need referral for screening prior to discharge. A collaborative effort among the trauma, rehabilitation, neuropsychology, and pediatric personnel resulted in a guideline to address early detection of PTSD in children. After implementation of the guideline, there was a 40% increase in detection of PTSD symptoms in identified children who were screened. We conclude that a systematic identification of PTSD triggers increases the detection rate of PTSD and opportunities for screening and intervention.
McIntosh
Shannon
S
Department of Psychology, Hurley Medical Center, Flint, Michigan 48503, USA.
Mata
Melanie
M
D019985:Benchmarking; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D008824:Michigan; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D014193:Trauma Centers