Implementation of Trauma Survivors Screen to Improve Utilization of Trauma Survivors Network

Abstract

Problem & Purpose: At a large, level-one trauma center, there is a lack of screening for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among the adult trauma population. Routine screening for PTSD/Depression risk among this patient population is recommended by national professional organizations, due to the significant impact they can have on long-term outcomes. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to educate trauma nursing staff on the importance of screening patients for PTSD/Depression, implement the Injured Trauma Survivors Screen (ITSS) into the routine care of traumatically injured patients, and increase patient education on the available support network program present within the organization. Methods: Data was tracked and analyzed through de-identified HIPPA compliant excel spreadsheets. Measures tracked throughout implementation were the following: nursing staff that received education on ITSS and support network, patients screened using the ITSS, patients identified as being “at-risk” through scoring of the ITSS, and patients educated on the available support network. Results: More trauma patients were screened for PTSD/Depression risk and educated on the support network compared to baseline data. Trends in the data analyzed showed a positive correlation between patients screened with the ITSS (9.6%, 6/62 eligible) and patients educated on the support network (46%, 29/62 eligible). Conclusions: Numerous barriers/limitations were encountered, emphasizing the need for the continuation of educating staff and patients on the incidence, and potential implications, of the development of PTSD/Depression in this already vulnerable population. Efforts should continue to address the mental health of trauma patients, working to decrease the incidence of PTSD/Depression and improve the trauma survivors’ resiliency and long-term outcomes.