Hospitals that prioritize mental health support for trauma survivors during and after their treatment see fewer patients returning in crisis, a new study reveals.
This approach not only aids in the physical recovery of patients but also significantly improves their long-term mental wellbeing.
The study, led by Laura Prater, now an assistant professor at Ohio State University, was conducted while she was at the University of Washington.
Her team analyzed five years of data, focusing on patients who had experienced traumatic events such as car accidents, shootings, and domestic violence.
They examined 171 patients treated at a University of Washington trauma center, randomly assigning some to receive standard care and others a comprehensive mental health intervention.
This intervention consisted of three key components: allowing trauma survivors to express personal concerns, coordinating their hospital care with enhanced mental health treatment, and providing 24/7 support after their discharge.
This round-the-clock access to assistance, whether via phone or text message, proved to be particularly effective in reducing hospital readmissions.
The results were striking. Three to six months after the initial trauma, only 16% of those in the intervention group returned to the hospital, compared to 27% receiving standard care.
At 12 to 15 months post-trauma, the gap widened, with 17% of the intervention group readmitted compared to 31% of those with standard care.
Prater emphasizes that managing mental health issues like PTSD early and providing ongoing support can not only prevent long-term health problems but also enhance a survivor’s quality of life.
The immediate availability of support through text messages or phone calls was highlighted as a crucial element of the intervention. This immediacy helped patients and their families feel supported and less isolated in their recovery journey.
The study also suggests that the cost of integrating mental health services into trauma care could be offset by the reduction in emergency care readmissions.
Prater notes that this holistic approach is essential for helping people in vulnerable health situations navigate the often complex healthcare system.
Overall, the research underscores the importance of addressing the mental health fallout from trauma as part of comprehensive patient care.
By doing so, hospitals can not only improve patient outcomes but also potentially reduce healthcare costs, illustrating the far-reaching benefits of holistic health care practices.
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