Feasibility of a Preventative Intervention to Reduce Posttraumatic Stress in Motor Vehicle Collision Survivors
Recommended Citation
Macchio L, Owen R, Page B, Ferdinand DC, Menze N, Till B, Lee JH, Rehder W, Ray A, House SL, Musey PI, Lewandowski C, Hendry PL, Haran JP, Thompson-Hollands J, Marx B, McLean S, Stoycos S. Feasibility of a Preventative Intervention to Reduce Posttraumatic Stress in Motor Vehicle Collision Survivors. Acad Emerg Med 2023; 30:377.
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Date
4-20-2023
Publication Title
Acad Emerg Med
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Millions of Americans present to US Emergency Departments (EDs) each year for evaluation after motor vehicle collision (MVC), and > 90% of these individuals are discharged to home after ED evaluation. More than 30% of such individuals develop MVC-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and brief ED risk stratification tools have been developed that identify individuals at increased risk of PTSD. However, very few secondary preventive trials testing interventions in this population have been performed, and the feasibility of telehealth intervention trials in this population is unknown. Methods: We report the feasibility of a 5-session written exposure therapy intervention developed in partnership with collaborators from the National Center for PTSD, the Written Exposure Therapy to Improve Lives after Stress Exposure (WISE) Trial. The WISE Trial was adapted from written exposure therapy interventions with demonstrated efficacy for veterans with PTSD. This feasibility assessment trial is being performed in 40 individuals who present to one of 5 EDs for care after MVC. Enrolled participants are randomized to 5 forty five minute teletherapy sessions consisting of either written exposure therapy (n = 20) vs. unemotional writing control (n = 20). Baseline characteristics and baseline and serial assessments of PTSD and related symptoms are performed via self-report surveys prior to the first telehealth session and at 4, 8, and 12 week follow-up. Results: To date, 265/356 (74%) of MVC survivors approached have been willing to be screened, and 66/265 (25%) of those screened were at increased risk of PTSD and eligible to participate. Among these eligible individuals, 20/66 (30%) agreed to receive further information regarding the study following ED discharge, and 11/20 (55%) of those contacted were enrolled. Among those enrolled, 9/11 (81%) either have completed all 5 teletherapy sessions or are on track to complete all 5 sessions. All enrolled individuals have completed 4 and 12 week follow-up assessments, and 85% have completed 8 week assessment. (Final results will be presented at the conference.) Conclusion: These data suggest that telehealth intervention trials of ED patients at high risk of PTSD after MVC are feasible.
Volume
30
First Page
377
