Predictors of acute posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms following civilian trauma: Highest incidence and severity of symptoms after assault

History of Racial Discrimination by Police Contributes to Worse Physical and Emotional Quality of Life in Black Americans After Traumatic Injury

BACKGROUND

Black Americans are more likely than their White counterparts to experience traumatic injury and worse functional outcomes. Unfair police treatment has been identified as one specific form of racial discrimination potentially driving these deleterious outcomes. The aim of the investigation was to better understand the relationship between experiences of discrimination by police and trauma-specific quality of life outcomes, including PTSD symptom severity, in Black Americans following traumatic injury.

METHOD

Traumatically injured Black American adults (N = 53) presenting to a level 1 trauma center completed a measure of police and law enforcement discrimination at baseline, and quality of life and PTSD were assessed 6 months later.

RESULTS

Stepwise regressions results showed more frequent discrimination by police and law enforcement significantly predicted lower emotional and physical well-being 6 months after injury. Further, more frequent police discrimination resulted in more severe PTSD symptoms by 6 months after injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings underscore that following an injury not specifically related to discrimination by police, patients' historical, negative police experiences contributed to worse physical and emotional recovery in the present. These findings, in unison with prior investigations, reveal the need to consider patients' history of negative police experiences as a social determinant of health in their recovery.

Long-term functional outcomes of upper extremity civilian vascular trauma

OBJECTIVE

Civilian analyses of long-term outcomes of upper extremity vascular trauma (UEVT) are limited. Our goal was to evaluate the management of UEVT in the civilian trauma population and explore the long-term functional consequences.

METHODS

A retrospective review and analysis was performed of patients with UEVT at an urban Level 1 trauma center (2001-2022). Management and long-term functional outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 150 patients with UEVT. Mean age was 34 years, and 85% were male. There were 42% Black and 27% White patients. Mechanism was penetrating in 79%, blunt in 20%, and multifactorial in 1%. Within penetrating trauma, mechanism was from firearms in 30% of cases. Of blunt injuries, 27% were secondary to falls, 13% motorcycle collisions, 13% motor vehicle collisions, and 3% crush injuries. Injuries were isolated arterial in 62%, isolated venous in 13%, and combined in 25% of cases. Isolated arterial injuries included brachial (34%), radial (27%), ulnar (27%), axillary (8%), and subclavian (4%). The majority of arterial injuries (92%) underwent open repair with autologous vein bypass (34%), followed by primary repair (32%), vein patch (6.6%), and prosthetic graft (3.3%). There were 23% that underwent fasciotomies, 68% of which were prophylactic. Two patients were managed with endovascular interventions; one underwent covered stent placement and the other embolization. Perioperative reintervention occurred in 12% of patients. Concomitant injuries included nerves (35%), bones (17%), and ligaments (16%). Intensive care unit admission was required in 45%, with mean intensive care unit length of stay 1.6 days. Mean hospital length of stay was 6.7 days. Major amputation and in-hospital mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.6% respectively. The majority (72%) had >6-month follow-up, with a median follow-up period of 197 days. Trauma readmissions occurred in 19%. Many patients experienced chronic pain (56%), as well as motor (54%) and sensory (61%) deficits. Additionally, 41% had difficulty with activities of daily living. Of previously employed patients (57%), 39% experienced a >6-month delay in returning to work. Most patients (82%) were discharged with opioids; of these, 16% were using opioids at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

UEVT is associated with long-term functional impairments and opioid use. It is imperative to counsel patients prior to discharge and ensure appropriate follow-up and therapy.

Perceptions of tech-based mental health screening

Background

An estimated one-third of patients experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression in the year following a traumatic injury. The American College of Surgeons requires postinjury PTSD and depression screening in trauma centers, although implementation has been limited. Tech-based solutions have been proposed to improve uptake of postinjury mental health screening. The goals of this pilot study were to assess the usability and acceptability of Blueprint, a tech-based mental health screening platform, and explore attitudes toward tech-based screening and intervention.

Methods

This pilot study included trauma patients (n=10) admitted to the trauma service. Participants completed the PTSD Checklist-5 and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 using Blueprint to test usability and acceptability of the platform. Participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a semi-structured interview to assess several domains including attitudes toward tech-based screening, potential barriers to implementation, and its usefulness in a postinjury context. Summative Template Analysis, a data abstraction procedure, was used to analyze qualitative data.

Results

Blueprint received an average SUS score of 93.25/100 suggesting participants found the interface to be an 'excellent' means to assess postinjury mental health concerns. Participants were supportive of universal screening and identified several benefits to engaging in tech-based routine monitoring of postinjury PTSD and depressive symptoms including convenience, personalization, and trauma-informed care. Regarding intervention, patients valued web-based psychoeducation on topics related to their overall care and local resources.

Conclusions

Tech-based mental health screening was highly usable and valuable to trauma patients at risk for postinjury PTSD and depression. Participants valued web-based psychoeducation and resources, but overall preferred Blueprint be used to facilitate access to in-person mental health services. Further evaluation of Blueprint as a means of assessment, intervention, and referral is needed.

Heart and brain traumatic stress biomarker analysis with and without machine learning: A scoping review

The enigma of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is embedded in a complex array of physiological responses to stressful situations that result in disruptions in arousal and cognitions that characterise the psychological disorder. Deciphering these physiological patterns is complex, which has seen the use of machine learning (ML) grow in popularity. However, it is unclear to what extent ML has been used with physiological data, specifically, the electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) to further understand the physiological responses associated with PTSD. To better understand the use of EEG and ECG biomarkers, with and without ML, a scoping review was undertaken. A total of 124 papers based on adult samples were identified comprising 19 ML studies involving EEG and ECG. A further 21 studies using EEG data, and 84 studies employing ECG meeting all other criteria but not employing ML were included for comparison. Identified studies indicate classical ML methodologies currently dominate EEG and ECG biomarkers research, with derived biomarkers holding clinically relevant diagnostic implications for PTSD. Discussion of the emerging trends, algorithms used and their success is provided, along with areas for future research.

The mind and the hand

Symptoms are determined in large part by mindsets. Feelings of distress and unhelpful thoughts (misinterpretations) of symptoms account for much of the variability in comfort and capability with the severity of the underlying pathophysiology making a more limited contribution. Incorporating this experimental evidence into the daily practice of hand surgery will help us find ways to develop healthy mindsets, to prioritize the alleviation of distress and the gentle redirection of unhelpful thoughts, to avoid unnecessary surgery, and to provide better psychological and social support for people recovering from injury and surgery.

Are trauma surgical societies adequately addressing mental health after injury?

BACKGROUND

Survivors of physical trauma, their home caregivers, and their medical providers all have an increased risk of developing psychological distress and trauma-related psychiatric disease. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency and change over time of trauma society research presentations regarding mental health to identify opportunities for growth.

METHODS

Archives from 2018 to 2020 from the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma, the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma, and the Western Trauma Association were reviewed. The studies that measured mental illness, psychosocial distress, and other psychosocial factors were assessed: for (1) the use of patient-reported outcome measures ; (2) the association of psychosocial variables with outcomes; and (3) the interventions investigated. Change over time was assessed using χ2 analysis.

RESULTS

Of 1,239 abstracts, 57 (4.6%) addressed at least 1 mental health-related factor. Mental health was more frequently studied over time (2018 [3.2%]; 2019 [3.5%]; 2020 [7.7%]; P = .003). The most frequently measured factors were post-traumatic stress disorder, quality of life, general mental health, and depression. Seventeen (29.8%) abstracts addressed substance abuse, most commonly opioid abuse. Seven (12.3%) abstracts measured mental health in caregivers or medical providers. Patient-reported outcome measures were used in 32 studies (56.1%). Two-thirds of studies reported findings suggesting that mental illness impairs trauma-related outcomes. Only 5 (8.8%) investigated interventions designed to reduce adverse outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Although academic discussion of mental health after trauma increased from 2018 to 2020, the topic remains a limited component of annual programs, patient-reported outcome measures remain underutilized, and intervention studies are rare.

Prevalence and predictors of post-traumatic stress symptoms in 2200 hospitalised and non-hospitalised injured New Zealanders

OBJECTIVE

Post-traumatic stress disorder following injuries unrelated to mass casualty events has received little research attention in New Zealand. Internationally, most studies investigating predictors of post-injury post-traumatic stress disorder focus on hospitalised patients although most survivors are not hospitalised. We compared the prevalence and predictors of symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder 12 months following injury among hospitalised and non-hospitalised entitlement claimants in New Zealand's Accident Compensation Corporation. This government-funded universal no-fault insurance scheme replaced tort-based compensation for injuries in 1974 since when civil litigation (which can bias post-traumatic stress disorder estimates) has been rare.

METHODS

A total of 2220 Accident Compensation Corporation claimants aged 18-64 years recruited to the Prospective Outcomes of Injury Study were interviewed at 12 months post-injury to identify symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder using the Impact of Events Scale. Multivariable models examined the extent to which baseline sociodemographic, injury, health status and service interaction factors predicted the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among hospitalised and non-hospitalised groups.

RESULTS

Symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder were reported by 17% of hospitalised and 12% of non-hospitalised participants. Perceived threat to life at the time of the injury doubled this risk among hospitalised (adjusted relative risk: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-3.2) and non-hospitalised (relative risk: 1.8; 95% confidence interval: 1.2-2.8) participants. Among hospitalised participants, other predictors included female gender, Pacific and 'other' minority ethnic groups, pre-injury depressive symptoms, financial insecurity and perceived inadequacies in healthcare interactions, specifically information and time to discuss problems. Among non-hospitalised survivors, predictors included smoking, hazardous drinking, assault and poor expectations of recovery.

CONCLUSION

One in six hospitalised and one in eight non-hospitalised people reported post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms 12 months following injury. Perceived threat to life was a strong predictor of this risk in both groups. Identifying early predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder, regardless of whether the injury required hospitalisation, could help target tailored interventions that can reduce longer-term psychosocial morbidity.

Examining Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Young Survivors of Urban Violence

Our study examines the association between Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among survivors of violence. In this cross-sectional study, an ACE questionnaire and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) were completed by 147 participants ≤ 3 months after presenting to a Philadelphia, PA emergency department between 2014 and 2019 with a violent injury. This study treated ACEs, both separate and cumulative, as exposures and PTSD symptom severity as the outcome. Most participants (63.3%) met criteria for provisional PTSD, 90% reported experiencing ≥ 1 ACE, and 39% reported experiencing ≥ 6 ACEs. Specific ACEs were associated with increasing PCL-5 scores and increased risk for provisional PTSD. Additionally, as participants' cumulative ACE scores increased, their PCL-5 scores worsened (b = 0.16; p < 0.05), and incremental ACE score increases predicted increased odds for a positive provisional PTSD screen. Results provide further evidence that ACEs exacerbate the development of PTSD in young survivors of violence. Future research should explore targeted interventions to treat PTSD among survivors of interpersonal violence.

Evaluation of follow-up and long-term outcomes of gunshot and stab wounds in a French civilian population

PURPOSE

The data concerning long-term follow-up and outcomes of penetrating trauma are poorly detailed in the literature. The main objective of our study was to analyze the hospital and extra-hospital follow-up of penetrating trauma victims and to evaluate the late complications and long-term consequences of these traumas.

METHODS

This work was a retrospective longitudinal monocentric observational study conducted at Laveran Military Hospital, from January 2007 to January 2017. All patients hospitalized for gunshot wound or stab wound management during this period were identified via a retrospective systematic query in the hospital information system using the ICD-10 codes. Epidemiological data, traumatism characteristics, hospital management, follow-up and traumatism consequences (i.e., persistent disability) were analyzed. To improve evaluation of traumatism long-term consequences, extra-hospital follow-up data from general physicians (GP) were collected by phone call. During this interview, 9 closed questions were asked to the GP. The survey evaluated: the date of the last consultation related to injury with the GP, the specific follow-up carried out by the GP, traumatism consequences, and recurrence of traumatism. Descriptive, univariate and multivariate with regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total number of 165 patients were included. Median (Q1, Q3) of hospital follow-up was 28 (4, 66) days. One hundred one patients (61.2%) went to their one-month consultation at hospital. GP follow-up was achieved for 76 patients (55.2%). Median (Q1, Q3) of GP follow-up was 47 (21, 75) months. Twenty-four patients (14.5%) have been totally lost to follow up. The overall follow-up identified 54 patients (32.7%) with long-term consequences, 20 being psychiatric disorders and 30 organic injuries. Organic consequences were mainly peripheral nerve damages (n = 20; 12.1%). Most of the psychiatric consequences were diagnosed during GP follow-up (n = 14; 70%). Seventeen cases (10.3%) of recurrence were found and late mortality occurred in 4 patients (2.4%). High injury severity score, older age and gunshot wound were significantly linked to long-term consequences. Data collection and analysis were carried out in accordance with MR004 reference methodology.

CONCLUSION

This study showed a high rate of long-term consequences among patients managed for penetrating injury. If all organic lesions are diagnosed during hospital follow-up and jointly managed by hospital and extra-hospital physicians, most socio-psychiatric consequences were detected and followed by extra-hospital workers. However, for half of the patients, the extra-hospital follow-up could not be assessed. Thus, these consequences are very probably underestimated. It appears imperative to strengthen the compliance and adherence of these patients to the care network. Awareness and involvement of medical, paramedical teams and GP role seems essential to screen and manage these consequences.

Psychological Trauma and the Trauma Surgeon

Research has demonstrated that first responders may develop psychological trauma/ posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the performance of their duties. Often overlooked in these studies of police, firefighters, and paramedics is an additional group of providers in this health care delivery system: the trauma surgeons, who receive the victims transported by the first responders. Although limited in scope, the research literature does identify the presence of PTSD in trauma surgeons. These studies have repeatedly cited the need for further information about psychological trauma for trauma surgeons. This paper addresses that need with a brief overview of psychological trauma, where surgeons may encounter victims, and how to cope with its aftermath.

The Association Between Psychological Factors and Outcomes After Distal Radius Fracture

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to identify psychological factors associated with pain intensity and disability following distal radius fracture.

METHODS

We prospectively followed 216 adult patients with distal radius fracture for 9 months. Demographics, injury and treatment details, and psychological measures (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score [HADS], Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Illness Perception Questionnaire Brief [IPQB], General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Recovery Locus of Control [RLOC]) were collected at enrollment. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors associated with Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and Likert pain scores.

RESULTS

Higher 10-week DASH scores were associated with increased age, the presence of a nerve pathology, increased HADS Depression subscale scores, increased IPQB scores, and lower RLOC scores. Higher 9-month DASH scores were associated with increased age, increased deprivation scores, increased numbers of medical comorbidities, a greater degree of radial shortening, increased HADS Depression subscale scores, and lower RLOC scores. A higher 10-week pain score was associated with increased deprivation and IPQB scores. A higher pain score at 9 months was associated with an increased number of medical comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychosocial factors measured early after fracture are associated with pain and disability up to 9 months after distal radius fracture. Illness perception is a potentially modifiable psychological construct not previously studied in hand conditions. It may provide a suitable target for psychological interventions that could enhance recovery.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic II.

Pediatric Trauma: What Hurts?

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric trauma patients are injured during crucial developmental years and require subsequent absence from school and activities. The impact of these changes on pediatric trauma patients is not well studied. We sought to assess the functional and emotional impact of pediatric trauma. In addition, the inpatient experience was evaluated for performance improvement purposes.

METHODS

A prospective survey was conducted at our trauma center (February 2019 to May 2019) of admitted trauma patients (<18 years). Patients who died before admission and nonaccidental trauma patients were excluded. Patients completed an inpatient survey and another at 3 months postdischarge.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were enrolled; 31 completed follow-up. Patients were 10 ± 5 years, 75% being male (n = 45), with an Injury Severity Score of 7 ± 6. A total of 13% were seen by behavioral medicine while inpatient; 18% of patients had preexisting anxiety. Preexisting functional limitations existed in 7% of the patients. At 3 months, 71% were back to preinjury academics, and 58% had returned to extracurriculars. At follow-up, 10% of patients felt withdrawn, and 32% felt emotional/distracted. Only 13% of patients were undergoing therapy compared with 7% preinjury. Patients communicated their best/worst experiences.

CONCLUSION

Pediatric trauma patients experience significant functional and emotional limitations after trauma. This suggests that all pediatric trauma patients should be evaluated by behavioral medicine during their admission with postdischarge support services offered. Performance improvement opportunities were identified in areas of pain control and communication.

Circulating endocannabinoids and genetic polymorphisms as predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder symptom severity: heterogeneity in a community-based cohort

The endocannabinoid signaling system (ECSS) regulates fear and anxiety. While ECSS hypoactivity can contribute to symptoms of established post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the role of the ECSS in PTSD development following trauma is unknown. A prospective, longitudinal cohort study of 170 individuals (47% non-Hispanic Caucasian and 70% male) treated at a level 1 trauma center for traumatic injury was carried out. PTSD symptom assessments and blood were obtained during hospitalization and at follow-up (6-8 months post injury). Serum concentrations of the endocannabinoids N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) were determined at both time points and selected genetic polymorphisms in endocannabinoid genes, including rs324420 in fatty acid amide hydrolase, were assessed. For the entire sample, serum concentrations of AEA at hospitalization were significantly higher in those diagnosed with PTSD at follow-up (p = 0.030). Serum concentrations of 2-AG were significantly, positively correlated with PTSD symptom severity at follow-up only in minorities (p = 0.014). Minority participants (mostly Black/African American) also demonstrated significant, negative correlations between serum AEA concentrations and PTSD symptom severity both measured at hospitalization (p = 0.015). The A/A genotype at rs324420 was associated with significantly higher PTSD symptom severity (p = 0.025) and occurred exclusively in the Black participants. Collectively, these results are contrary to our hypothesis and find positive associations between circulating endocannabinoids and risk for PTSD. Minority status is an important modulator of the association between endocannabinoids and risk for PTSD, suggesting that the ECSS contributes to risk most significantly in these individuals and the contextual factors related to these findings should be further explored.

Incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors of traumatic fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is prevalent in traumatic events. It is a great hazard of physical and mental health due to their severity and frequency. Traumatic fractures are one of the major causes of PTSD. The incidence of traumatic fractures has been high in recent years, which will directly or indirectly result in PTSD. Our target is to estimate the pooled incidence of PTSD in fracture patients after traumatic events and to explore possible influencing factors by a meta-analysis.The systematic searches in the electronic bibliographic databases of Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), Wangfang , and Veipu Databases. Not only were heterogeneity and 95% confidence interval (CI) used for comprehensive assessing each pooled, but also was the P value. Subgroup analyses for some sample characteristics were calculated the pooled incidence of PTSD among patients suffered from fractures.In total, 2619 patients suffered from fracture, and were assessed PTSD in the 12 eligible studies. The heterogeneity was not low (I² = 97.6%, P < 0.001) in the 12 eligible studies. The pooled incidence of PTSD in fracture patients was 29% (95% CI, 20% to 39%) using random-effects model. Subgroup analyses revealed that the pooled incidence of PTSD among patients after traumatic fracture was statistically significant differences according to the study design, the study location, tools to assess the symptoms of PTSD, the mean age and injury mechanism (all P < 0.001). Fracture sites, injury mechanism and pain were the main influencing factors of PTSD in fracture patients.Our results highlight the phenomenon that high incidence of PTSD in patients after fracture and they should be followed up regularly and be provided effective interventions. Future efforts to improve and control the main influencing factors of PTSD for this population still needed.

Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Acute Trauma Patients

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic injury.

SETTING

Single urban Level I trauma center.

DESIGN

Prospective.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred men (66%) and 152 women treated for traumatic injuries were administered the PTSD checklist for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (PCL-5) survey during their first post-hospital visit over a 15-month period.

INTERVENTION

Screening for PTSD in trauma patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The prevalence of disease and risk factors for the development of PTSD based on demographic, medical, injury, and treatment variables.

RESULTS

One hundred three patients screened positive for PTSD (26%) after a mean of 86 days after injury. Age less than 45 years was an independent risk factor for the development of PTSD [odds ratio (OR) 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.40-4.99)]. Mechanisms of injury associated with the development of PTSD included pedestrians struck by motor vehicles [OR 7.35, 95% CI (1.58-34.19)], motorcycle/all terrain vehicle crash [OR 3.17, 95% CI (1.04-9.65)], and victims of crime [OR 3.49, 95% CI (0.99-9.20)]. Patients sustaining high-energy mechanism injuries and those who were victims of crime scored higher on the PCL-5 [OR 2.39, 95% CI (1.35-4.22); OR 4.50, 95% CI (2.52-8.05), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

One quarter of trauma patients screened positive for PTSD at 3 months after their injury. A mechanism of injury is a risk factor for PTSD, and younger adults, victims of crime, and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles are at higher risk. These findings offer the potential to more effectively target and refer vulnerable patient populations to appropriate treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a compete description of levels of evidence.

Sex differences in long-term outcomes after traumatic injury: A mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

We sought to examine the association and potential mediators between sex and long-term trauma outcomes.

METHODS

Moderately-to-severely injured patients admitted to 3 level-1 trauma centers were contacted between 6 and 12-months post-injury to assess for functional limitations, use of pain medications, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multivariable adjusted regression analyses were used to compare long-term outcomes by sex. Potential mediators of the relationship between sex and outcomes was explored using mediation analysis.

RESULTS

2607 patients were followed, of which 45% were female. Compared to male, female patients were more likely to have functional limitations (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.31-1.60), take pain medications (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02-1.38), and screen positive for PTSD (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 1.46-1.76) post-injury. Age, extremity injury, previous psychiatric illness, and pre-injury unemployment, partially mediated the effect of female sex on long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

There are significant sex differences in long-term trauma outcomes, which are partially driven by patient and injury-related factors.

Intranasal Ketamine as an Adjunct to Fentanyl for the Prehospital Treatment of Acute Traumatic Pain: Design and Rationale of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: Acute pain management is fundamental in prehospital trauma care. Early pain control may decrease the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Fentanyl and ketamine are frequently used off-label, but there is a paucity of comparative data to guide decision-making about treatment of prehospital severe, acute pain. This trial will determine whether the addition of single dose of intranasal ketamine to fentanyl is more effective for the treatment of acute traumatic pain than administration of fentanyl alone.Methods: This two-part study consists of prehospital and 90-day follow-up components (NCT02866071). The prehospital trial is a blinded, randomized, controlled trial of adult men (age 18-65 years) rating pain ≥7/10 after an acute traumatic injury of any type. Women will be excluded due to inability to confirm pregnancy status and unknown fetal risk. Paramedics will screen patients receiving standard of care fentanyl and, after obtaining standard informed consent, administer 50 mg intranasal ketamine or matching volume saline as placebo. Upon emergency department (ED) arrival, research associates will serially assess pain, concomitant treatments, and adverse side effects. Enrolled subjects will be approached for consent to participate in the 90-day follow-up study to determine rates of PTSD and chronic pain development. The primary outcome of the prehospital study is reduction in pain on the Verbal Numerical Rating Scale between baseline and 30-minutes after study drug administration. The proportion achieving a reduction of ≥2-points will be compared between study arms using a Chi-square test. Secondary outcomes of the prehospital trial include reduction in reported pain at the time of ED arrival and at 30 minutes intervals for up to three hours of ED care, the incidence of adverse events, and additional opiate requirements prior to ED arrival and within the first three hours of ED care. The outcomes in the follow-up study are satisfaction with life and development of PTSD or chronic pain at 90 days after injury. An intention-to-treat approach will be used.Conclusion: These studies will test the hypotheses that ketamine plus fentanyl, when compared to fentanyl alone, effectively manages pain, decreases opiate requirements, and decreases PTSD at 90 days.

Interventional Efforts to Reduce Psychological Distress After Orthopedic Trauma: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Unanticipated severe injury to part of the musculoskeletal system, referred to as orthopedic trauma, can be debilitating. It can also be accompanied by equally debilitating psychological distress, but little is known about the effective interventions for psychological sequelae of orthopedic trauma.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to determine the effectiveness of interventions on psychological outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and pain catastrophizing (feelings of helplessness, excessive rumination, and exaggerated description of pain), after major orthopedic trauma.

METHODS

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement as guidelines, we systematically searched Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies included for review were English-language interventional studies in an orthopedic trauma population that included assessment of post-injury psychological distress or disability as either a primary or secondary aim.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were identified, including six randomized trials, three prospective cohort studies, and three retrospective cohort studies. Study sample sizes ranged from 48 to 569 patients, the mean age ranged from 29 to 52.8 years, and the percentage of male patients ranged from 38 to 90%. We examined four categories of interventions. Peer group treatment (one study) significantly reduced rates of depression but had low participation rates. Brief interventions to teach coping and self-efficacy skills (two studies) decreased depression, pain catastrophizing, and anxiety scores while increasing self-efficacy on short-term follow-up. Individualized counseling and rehabilitation (four studies) resulted in a consistent reduction in the risk of PTSD. Early amputation was found to result in lower rates of PSTD than limb salvage in US military personnel (four studies). One study examined surgeons' confidence in dealing with possible psychological distress; surgeons who participated in a program on collaborative care were significantly more confident that they could help their patients with such issues.

CONCLUSION

Interventional strategies, including group interventions, brief individual interventions, longitudinal counseling, and consideration of early amputation in selected populations have proved effective in reducing negative psychological sequelae of major orthopedic trauma. Further research that determines the effects of interventions in this population is needed.

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in acute trauma patients

Objective

To determine the prevalence of positive screening for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst trauma patients.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal study.

Setting

Single urban US level 1 trauma center.

Patients and methods

Four hundred fifty-two adult trauma patients were administered the PTSD checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) survey upon posthospital outpatient clinic visit. This included 300 men (66%) and 152 women with mean age 43.8 years and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) 11.3, with 83% having fractures of the pelvis and/or extremities. Medical and injury related variables were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of screening positive for PTSD.

Main outcome measurement

Prevalence and risk factors for screening positive for PTSD amongst the trauma patient population.

Results

Twenty-six percent of trauma patients screened positive for PTSD after mean 86 days following injury. These patients were younger (35 vs 46 years old, P < 0.001) and more commonly African American (56% vs 43% Caucasian, P < 0.001). Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles (OR 4.70, P = 0.040) and victims of crime (OR 4.12, P = 0.013) were more likely to screen positive. Psychiatric history, injury severity (ISS), and injury type did not predict positive screening.

Conclusion

One-in-four patients suffering traumatic injuries screened positive for PTSD suggesting the prevalence of PTSD among trauma patients far exceeds that of the general population. Predictive factors included victims of crime and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles. Screening measures are needed in orthopaedic trauma surgery clinics to refer these at-risk patients for proper evaluation and treatment.

Level of evidence

Prognostic; Level II.

The AURORA Study: a longitudinal, multimodal library of brain biology and function after traumatic stress exposure

Adverse posttraumatic neuropsychiatric sequelae (APNS) are common among civilian trauma survivors and military veterans. These APNS, as traditionally classified, include posttraumatic stress, postconcussion syndrome, depression, and regional or widespread pain. Traditional classifications have come to hamper scientific progress because they artificially fragment APNS into siloed, syndromic diagnoses unmoored to discrete components of brain functioning and studied in isolation. These limitations in classification and ontology slow the discovery of pathophysiologic mechanisms, biobehavioral markers, risk prediction tools, and preventive/treatment interventions. Progress in overcoming these limitations has been challenging because such progress would require studies that both evaluate a broad spectrum of posttraumatic sequelae (to overcome fragmentation) and also perform in-depth biobehavioral evaluation (to index sequelae to domains of brain function). This article summarizes the methods of the Advancing Understanding of RecOvery afteR traumA (AURORA) Study. AURORA conducts a large-scale (n = 5000 target sample) in-depth assessment of APNS development using a state-of-the-art battery of self-report, neurocognitive, physiologic, digital phenotyping, psychophysical, neuroimaging, and genomic assessments, beginning in the early aftermath of trauma and continuing for 1 year. The goals of AURORA are to achieve improved phenotypes, prediction tools, and understanding of molecular mechanisms to inform the future development and testing of preventive and treatment interventions.

Predictors of psychological distress following major trauma

AIM

The aim of this study was to identify variables that may predict later psychological distress in patients following admission to a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) and to determine whether a psychological screening tool, the Posttraumatic Adjustment Screen (PAS), administered on admission was able to contribute to this.

METHODS

Patients referred to the MTC clinical psychology service completed the PAS during their inpatient stay over an eight-month period. Following discharge from hospital, patients were telephoned (1 month, 3 months and 6 months post injury) by a member of the clinical psychology team and asked two validated questionnaires; the Impact of Events Scale revised (IES-R) (measure of posttraumatic stress symptoms) and the CORE-10 (measure of global psychological distress). In addition, patients' data from the local Trauma Audit & Research Network (TARN) database was reviewed to identify information related to injury and other demographic data. Patients were divided into groups for comparison based upon their PAS scores using previously described severity cut offs for posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression. Receiver Operator Characteristic and Multiple Linear Regression analysis was used to examine for significant baseline predictors of psychological distress during follow up according to the IES and CORE-10 scores.

RESULTS

One hundred and fourteen patients completed the PAS over the study period. Follow-up psychological data was available for 63 (56%) of patients. Except for the patient's home address, no baseline parameter examined in this study regarding patient demographics, injury or treatment was associated with reported psychological symptoms in the first six months post injury as measured by the IES-R or CORE-10 scores. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that both PAS-P and PAS-D were significant predictor variables for patients reporting significant symptoms of posttraumatic stress and global psychological distress (according to IES-R and CORE-10 scores) in the first six months post injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological screening on admission may be helpful in identifying patients admitted to MTCs who are at risk at developing posttraumatic stress symptoms and psychological distress following major trauma.

Detecting PTSD in a traumatically injured population: The diagnostic utility of the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5

BACKGROUND

The posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) is among few validated measures of PTSD severity in line with the DSM-5. Validation efforts among veteran samples have recommended cut scores of 33 and 38 to indicate PTSD; cut scores vary across populations depending on factors such as trauma type. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of and identify optimal cut scores for the PCL-5 in relation to the gold standard Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5) among traumatically injured individuals 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center.

METHODS

A total of 251 participants completed the PCL-5 and CAPS-5 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center following traumatic injury. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses detailed diagnostic accuracy of the PCL-5 and identified the optimal cut score via Youden's J index. Cut scores were also broken down by intentional versus nonintentional injury.

RESULTS

The PCL-5 produces satisfactory diagnostic accuracy, with adequate sensitivity and specificity, in a traumatically injured population. Estimates indicate the optimal cut score as >30; the optimal cut score for intentional injuries was >34 and >22 for nonintentional injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation provides support for the PCL-5 in detection of PTSD among injured individuals 6 months after discharge from a level I trauma center. PCL-5 specificity and sensitivity suggest clinicians working with this population can feel confident in using this measure over more onerous structured interviews (e.g., CAPS-5). This study signifies a move toward ensuring those experiencing mental health difficulties after traumatic injury are identified and connected to resources.

Prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder, acute stress disorder and depression following violence related injury treated at the emergency department: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

In order to gain insight into the health impact of violence related injury, the psychological consequences should be taken into account. There has been uncertainty regarding the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), and depression among patients with violence related injury. An overview of prevalence rates may inform our understanding of both prognosis and recovery for these patients. Therefore, we aim to provide an overview of the published literature reporting the prevalence rates and trajectories of PTSD, ASD, and depression following violence related injury, and to assess the quality of the studies included.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted in order to provide an overview of the published literature reporting the prevalence of PTSD, ASD and depression following violence related injury treated at the emergency department or hospital. The EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases were searched systematically. The quality of the included studies was assessed.

RESULTS

We included sixteen studies reporting the prevalence rates of PTSD, ASD, or depression. Clear prevalence trajectories could not be identified because the range of prevalence rates was diverse at each time point. Heterogeneity resulting from the use of different diagnostic instruments limited comparability. The included studies were susceptible to bias due to low response rates and loss to follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The differences in diagnostic instruments limited comparability of the prevalence rates. Therefore, clear prevalence trajectories could not be identified. Study participation and loss to follow-up require more attention in future studies. Uniformity in diagnostic procedures is needed in order to draw general conclusions on the prevalence of PTSD, ASD, and depression following violence related injury.

Firearm Violence: A Global Priority for Nursing Science

PURPOSE

This purpose of this article is to frame firearm violence as a health and public health problem, to illustrate the magnitude of the problem, to examine factors that increase the risk to be injured by a firearm, or conversely, that confer protection, and to identify relevant priority areas for nursing science.

ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT

Firearm violence results in physical and psychological injuries and is a global health priority. Firearm violence is categorized as intentional (interpersonal and self-inflicted) and unintentional (interpersonal and self-inflicted) and accounts for an estimated 196,000 to 220,000 nonconflict deaths annually.

METHODS

We reviewed the theoretical and scientific literature to analyze the magnitude and geographic distribution of firearm violence, the factors associated with firearm injury, the consequences of firearm violence, and areas where nursing science can make an impact on prevention, outcomes, and recovery.

FINDINGS

Firearm violence is a significant public health problem that affects the health of individuals, families, and communities. The burdens and contributors to firearm violence vary worldwide, making it important to understand the local context of this global phenomenon. Relevant areas of inquiry span primary prevention focusing on individual and environmental risk factors; and focus on managing the physical and psychological consequences postinjury; and mitigating long-term consequences of firearm violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing the global burden of firearm violence and improving the health and safety of individuals, families, and communities provide compelling reasons to integrate this area into nursing science.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The goals of nursing are to keep people healthy and safe and to help return those injured to their optimal levels of health and well-being. Understanding the factors that come together to injure people with a firearm in various physical, social, economic, and cultural environments positions nurses to both extend the dialogue beyond pro-gun versus anti-gun and to design and carry out rigorous studies to reduce firearm violence.

A multicenter study of post-traumatic stress disorder after injury: Mechanism matters more than injury severity

BACKGROUND

Traumatic injury is strongly associated with long-term mental health disorders, but the risk factors for developing these disorders are poorly understood. We report on a multi-institutional collaboration to collect long-term patient-centered outcomes after trauma, including screening for post-traumatic stress disorder. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress disorder after traumatic injury.

METHODS

Adult trauma patients (aged 18-64) with moderate to severe injuries (Injury Severity Score ≥ 9) admitted to 3 level I trauma centers were screened between 6 and 12 months after injury for post-traumatic stress disorder. Patients were divided by mechanism: fall, road traffic injury, and intentional injury. Multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the association between baseline patient and injury-related characteristics and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder for the overall cohort and by mechanism of injury.

RESULTS

A total of 450 patients completed the screen. Overall 32% screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder, but this differed significantly by mechanism, with the lowest being after a fall (25%) and highest after intentional injury (60%). Injury severity was not associated with post-traumatic stress disorder for any group, but lower educational level was associated with post-traumatic stress disorder within all the groups. Only 21% of patients who screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder were receiving treatment at the time of the survey.

CONCLUSION

Post-traumatic stress disorder is common after traumatic injury, and the prevalence varies significantly by injury mechanism but is not associated with injury severity. Only a small proportion of patients who screen positive for post-traumatic stress disorder are currently receiving treatment.

Emotional responses to unintentional and intentional traumatic injuries among urban black men: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

The burden of injuries is disproportionately concentrated among Black men in the United States. Previous studies suggest that the mental health effects of trauma may vary by the intentionality of the injury (intentional vs. unintentional), yet little is known about this experience among Black men. We explored the emotional responses to traumatic injuries in the context of injury intentionality among Black men in an urban area.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured, qualitative interviews with 74 Black men who were traumatically injured. The interviews took place three months after discharge from the hospital and they were audiotaped, transcribed, and de-identified. We used systematic thematic analysis to identify themes about post-trauma emotional responses to intentional and unintentional injuries.

RESULTS

The narratives of intentionally injured men revealed persistent exposure to neighborhood violence and their distrust of others including the people they knew and to whom they felt close. Survivors of unintentional injuries did not express a similar distrust of others. Our findings suggest that survivors of intentional injuries experience loss of social support following their injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

Emotional responses can differ by intentionality of traumatic injury among urban Black men. Intentional injuries may be a marker for chronic exposure to violence and limited social support for recovery. Additional resources should be targeted to survivors of intentional injury who return to disadvantaged communities after medical treatment to decrease risk of re-traumatization and adverse emotional responses.

Is Use of a Psychological Workbook Associated With Improved Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Scores in Patients With Distal Radius Fracture?

BACKGROUND

Symptom intensity and magnitude of limitations correlate with stress, distress, and less effective coping strategies. It is unclear if interventions to target these factors can be used to improve outcomes after distal radius fracture in either the short- or longer term.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Are there any factors (including the use of a workbook aimed at optimizing psychological response to injury, demographic, radiographic, medical, or psychosocial) associated with improved Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Numerical Rating Scale pain (NRS pain) scores at 6 weeks after management of distal radius fracture? (2) Are any of these factors associated with improved DASH and NRS pain scores at 6 months after management of distal radius fracture?

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial comparing a workbook designed to optimize rehabilitation by improving psychological response to injury using recognized psychological techniques (the LEARN technique and goal setting) versus a workbook containing details of stretching exercises in the otherwise routine management of distal radius fracture. Patients older than 18 years of age with an isolated distal radius fracture were recruited within 3 weeks of injury from a single academic teaching hospital between March and August 2016. During recruitment, 191 patients who met the inclusion criteria were approached; 52 (27%) declined participation and 139 were enrolled. Eight patients (6%) were lost to followup by 6 weeks. The remaining cohort of 129 patients was included in the analysis. DASH scores and NRS pain scores were recorded at 6 weeks and 6 months after injury. Multivariable regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with outcome scores.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks after distal radius fracture, when compared with an information-only workbook, use of a psychologic workbook was not associated with improved DASH (workbook DASH: 38 [range, 21-48]; control DASH: 35 [range, 21-53]; difference of medians: 3; p = 0.949) nor NRS pain scores (workbook NRS: 3 [range, 1-5]; control NRS: 2 [range, 1-4]; difference of medians: 1; p = 0.128). Improved DASH scores were associated with less radial shortening (β = 0.2, p = 0.009), less dorsal tilt (β = 0.2, p = 0.035), and nonoperative treatment (β = 0.2, p = 0.027). Improved NRS pain scores were associated with nonoperative treatment (β = 0.2, p = 0.021) and no posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (β = 0.2, p = 0.046). At 6 months, use of a psychologic workbook was not associated with improved DASH (workbook DASH: 11 [range, 5-28]; control DASH: 11 [range, 3-20]; difference of medians: 0; p = 0.367) nor NRS pain scores (workbook NRS: 1 [range, 0-2]; control NRS: 1 [range, 0-2]; difference of medians: 0; p = 0.704). Improved DASH score at 6 months was associated with having fewer medical comorbidities (β = 0.3, p < 0.001) and lower enrollment PTSD (β = 0.3, p < 0.011). Lower NRS pain scores at 6 months were associated with having fewer medical comorbidities (β = 0.2, p = 0.045), lower enrollment PTSD (β = 0.3, p = 0.008), and lower enrollment Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (β = 0.2, p = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that there is no benefit from the untargeted use of a psychological workbook based on the LEARN approach and goal-setting strategies in patients with distal radius fracture. Future research should investigate if there is a subgroup of patients with a negative psychological response to injury that benefits from psychological intervention and, if so, how best to identify these patients and intervene.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Posttraumatic growth in a heterogeneous sample of traumatically injured patients 1 year postinjury

OBJECTIVE

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) describes positive change resulting from challenging life events. The current study examined factors associated with PTG in traumatically injured patients 1 year postinjury.

METHOD

Participants (N = 221) in this prospective cohort study included adults admitted to a Level I trauma center. Over half the participants (60%) were male, with a mean age of 47. Participants completed baseline measures during hospitalization. PTG was assessed at 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Greater PTG was associated with minority race/ethnicity, lower income, automotive collision, and premorbid psychological disorder other than depression or posttraumatic stress (PTS). These variables are also known to predict PTS in trauma patients. Analysis confirmed that greater PTS at follow-up was associated with more growth.

CONCLUSION

Participants with the most growth also experienced the most distress. This finding demonstrates the importance of implementing psychological screening and intervention for trauma patients in the acute care setting to reduce PTS and facilitate growth.

Violent injury predicts poor psychological outcomes after traumatic injury in a hard-to-reach population: an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

People who experience physical trauma face a range of psychosocial outcomes. These may be overlooked by busy clinicians. While some risk factors are understood, understanding of the psychological effects of violent injury remains limited, particularly in UK settings. This study compared psychological outcomes following interpersonal violence and accidental injury, including the persistence of psychological distress.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was carried out at two time points of patients admitted to a large teaching hospital in London between July 2012 and April 2014. Participants were consecutive adult patients admitted to the Royal London Hospital with traumatic injuries, with 219 participants at baseline. Follow-up survey was 8  months later (n=109). Standardised measures assessed post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (Acute Stress Disorder Scale and PTSD Checklist) and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

RESULTS

PTSS and depressive symptoms affected 27% and 33%, respectively, at baseline. At 8  months, 27% and 31% reported these symptoms for PTSS and depressive symptoms, respectively. The repeated measures were assessed with multilevel models: after adjusting for demographic factors, patients with violent injury showed more PTSS (OR 6.27, 95% CI 1.90 to 20.66) and depressive symptoms (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.08 to 8.99).

CONCLUSIONS

There were high levels of psychological distress among traumatic injury patients. Violent injuries were associated with an increased risk of both post-traumatic and depressive symptoms. People vulnerable to distress would benefit from psychological support, and hospital admission provides a unique opportunity to engage hard-to-reach groups in interventions.

Cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure as early markers of PTSD risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically exhibit altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. The goals of this study were to determine whether HPA and SNS alterations in the immediate aftermath of trauma predict subsequent PTSD symptom development and whether inconsistencies observed between studies can be explained by key demographic and methodological factors. This work informs secondary prevention of PTSD by identifying subgroups of trauma survivors at risk for PTSD. This meta-analysis (26 studies, N=5186 individuals) revealed that higher heart rate measured soon after trauma exposure was associated with higher PTSD symptoms subsequently (r=0.13). Neither cortisol (r=-0.07) nor blood pressure (diastolic: r=-0.01; systolic: r=0.02) were associated with PTSD symptoms which may be influenced by methodological limitations. Associations between risk markers (heart rate, cortisol, systolic blood pressure) and PTSD symptoms were in the positive direction for younger samples and negative direction for older samples. These findings extend developmental traumatology models of PTSD by revealing an age-related shift in the presentation of early risk markers. More work will be needed to identify risk markers and pathways to PTSD while addressing methodological limitations in order to shape and target preventive interventions.

Characterization of acute stress reaction following an IED blast-related mild traumatic brain injury

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE

To characterize an acute stress reaction (ASR) following an improvised explosive device (IED) blast-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

RESEARCH DESIGN

Participants were male, US military personnel treated in Afghanistan within 4 days following an IED-related mTBI event (n = 239).

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Demographics, diagnosis of ASR, injury history and self-reported mTBIs, blast exposures and psychological health histories were recorded.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS

In total, 12.5% of patients met ASR criteria. Patients with ASR were significantly younger and junior in rank (p < 0.05). Patients with ASR were more likely to experience the IED-blast while dismounted, report a loss of consciousness (LOC) and higher pain levels (p < 0.05). Adjusting for age and rank, multivariate logistic regression showed an association between mTBI history and ASR (AOR = 1.405; 95% CI = 1.105-1.786, p < 0.01). Adjusting for mechanism of injury (dismounted vs. mounted), LOC and pain, multivariate logistic regression showed an association between mTBI history and ASR (AOR = 1.453; 95% CI = 1.132-1.864, p < 0.01). Prior blast exposure and past psychological health issues were not associated with ASR.

CONCLUSIONS

A history of multiple mTBIs is associated with increased risk of ASR. Future research is warranted.

Reasons for and reservations about research participation in acutely injured adults

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons adult patients seeking emergency department care for minor injuries agree to participate in clinical research and to identify their reservations about participating in a research study.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of data from a longitudinal cohort study of 275 adults who sought emergency department care for physical injury and were followed over 12 months. At the final interview, participants were asked open-ended short-answer questions about their perception of participating in the study. Free text responses were analyzed using conventional content analysis.

FINDINGS

The final sample of 214 participants was composed equally of males and females, predominantly Black (54%) and White (42%), with a mean age of 41 years. Six themes about reasons for participation emerged from free text responses: being asked, altruism, potential for personal benefit, financial gain, curiosity, and valuing or knowledge of research. Most did not report reservations. Those reservations identified included time constraints, confidentiality, and whether patients felt well suited to fulfill the study requirements.

CONCLUSIONS

Although injured patients are identified by the research community as vulnerable, they are willing to participate in research studies for diverse reasons, and their participation is commonly associated with positive experiences.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Understanding perceptions of participants' experiences of being in a research study after acute injury can guide researchers to improve future study protocols and recruitment strategies in order to optimize participants' experiences. Recruitment and retention into clinical research studies is essential to build nursing science to enhance the recovery of injured individuals.

Unveiling posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma surgeons: a national survey

BACKGROUND

The significance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma patients is well recognized. The impact trauma surgeons endure in managing critical trauma cases is unknown. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of PTSD among trauma surgeons and identify risk factors associated with the development of PTSD.

METHODS

We surveyed all members of the American Association for Surgery of Trauma and the Eastern Association for Surgery of Trauma using an established PTSD screening test (PTSD Checklist Civilian [PCL-C]). A PCL-C score of 35 or higher (sensitivity > 85%) was used as the cutoff for the development of PTSD symptoms and a PCL-C score of 44 or higher for the diagnosis of PTSD. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

There were 453 respondents with a 41% response rate. PTSD symptoms were present in 40% (n = 181) of the trauma surgeons, and 15% (n = 68) of the trauma surgeons met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Male trauma surgeons (odds ratio [OR], 2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-3.1) operating more than 15 cases per month (OR, 3; 95% CI, 1.2-8), having more than seven call duties per month (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2-6), and with less than 4 hours of relaxation per day (OR, 7; 95% CI, 1.4-35) were more likely to develop symptoms of PTSD. Diagnosis of PTSD was common in trauma surgeons managing more than 5 critical cases per call duty (OR, 7; 95% CI, 1.1-8). Salary, years of clinical practice, and previous military experience were predictive for neither the development of PTSD symptoms nor the diagnosis of PTSD.

CONCLUSION

Both symptoms and the diagnosis of PTSD are common among trauma surgeons. Defining the factors that predispose trauma surgeons to PTSD may be of benefit to the patients and the profession. The data from this survey will be useful to major national trauma surgery associations for developing targeted interventions.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level III.

Posttraumatic stress disorder following traumatic injury at 6 months: associations with alcohol use and depression

BACKGROUND

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is progressively recognized as a psychological morbidity in injured patients. Participants in a longitudinal study were identified as PTSD positive or PTSD negative at 6 months following injury. Risky alcohol use, depression, demographic, and injury-related variables were explored.

METHODS

This prospective cohort included patients 18 years or older, admitted to our Level I trauma center. Outcome measures included PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-C), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Demographic and injury variables were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 211 participants enrolled in the study, and 118 participants completed measures at both baseline and 6 months. Of the participants, 25.4% (n = 30) screened positive for PTSD at 6 months. The entire sample showed a decline in risky alcohol use at 6 months (p = 0.0043). All PTSD-positive participants at 6 months were also positive for depression (p < 0.0001). For the entire sample, there was a 10% increase in depression from baseline to 6 months (p = 0.03). However, for those participants who were PTSD positive at 6 months, there was a 53% increase in depression from baseline (p = 0.0002) as compared with the group at 6 months without PTSD. Statistically significant differences were found between PTSD-positive and PTSD-negative participants regarding age (40.1 [15.9] vs. 50.9 [18.2], p = 0.0047), male (77% vs. 50%, p = 0.0109), penetrating injury (30% vs. 4%, p < 0.0001), PTSD history (17% vs. 4%, p = 0.0246), or other psychiatric condition (63% vs. 19%, p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSION

PTSD was not associated with risky alcohol use at 6 months. Surprisingly, risky alcohol use declined in both groups. Incidence of PTSD (25.4%, n = 30) and risky alcohol use (25%, n = 29) were equal at 6 months. Although the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma requires brief screening and intervention for risky alcohol use owing to societal impact, reinjury rates, and cost effectiveness, our study suggests that screening for psychological conditions may be equally important.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, level III.

Predictors of PTSD symptoms in adults admitted to a Level I trauma center: a prospective analysis

Trauma centers are an ideal point of intervention in efforts to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In order to assist in the development of prevention efforts, this study sought to identify early predictors of PTSD symptoms among adults admitted to a Level I trauma center using a novel analytic strategy (Fournier et al., 2009). Upon admission, participants (N=327) were screened for PTSD symptoms and provided information on potential predictor variables. Their PTSD symptoms were assessed again 3 months later (N=227). Participants were classified as symptomatic (positive PTSD screen) or asymptomatic (negative PTSD screen) at the follow-up assessment. Multinomial logistic regression showed that age, depression, number of premorbid psychiatric disorders, gunshot wound, auto vs. pedestrian injury, and alcohol use predicted who had PTSD symptoms at FU with 76.3% accuracy. However, when controlling for PTSD severity at baseline, only age, number of premorbid psychiatric disorders, and gunshot wounds predicted PTSD symptoms at FU but with 78.5% accuracy. These findings suggest that psychological prevention efforts in trauma centers may be best directed toward adults who are young, have premorbid psychiatric disorders, and those admitted with gunshot wounds.

Exception from informed consent for emergency research: consulting the trauma community

BACKGROUND

Research investigating the resuscitation and management of unstable trauma patients is necessary to improve care and save lives. Because informed consent for research is impossible in emergencies, the Federal Drug Administration has established an Exception from Informed Consent (EFIC) Policy that mandates "community consultation" as a means of protecting patient autonomy. We hypothesized that the trauma community represents a heterogeneous population whose attitudes regarding EFIC and willingness to participate in emergency research are influenced by status as a patient, family, or geographic community member.

METHODS

In the context of an upcoming trial, trauma patients as well as family and community members were asked to rank statements regarding EFIC and willingness to participate in emergency research using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Higher total scores reflected a more positive attitude regarding EFIC (range, 4-20; neutral = 12) and willingness (range, 21-105, neutral = 63). The influence of demographics, education, and interpersonal violence were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Overall, the 309 participants (trauma patients, n = 172; family, n = 73; community, n = 64) were positive about EFIC (median, 16; interquartile range, [IQR], 14-18) and demonstrated high willingness scores (median, 82; IQR, 76-88.5). EFIC and willingness were not influenced by age, sex, race, or education. Victims of interpersonal violence and their family members had lower EFIC scores than those with other mechanisms (median [IQR], 16 [14-18] vs. 16 [13-16]; p = 0.04) but similar willingness. Although EFIC scores were similar between groups, trauma patients had significantly lower willingness than family (median [IQR], 74 [68-77] vs. 77 [70-85]; p = 0.03) or community members (median [IQR], 76 [70-84]; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Trauma patients, families, and the geographic community expressed a high degree of support for EFIC and willingness to participate in emergency research, although support was influenced by injury mechanism and group status. Consultation efforts for emergency research should extend beyond the geographic community to include trauma victims and their families.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic, level III.