Symposia
Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders and Disasters
Kristen Higgins, M.A.
Research Assistant
Medical University of South Carolina
Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina
Gabriela Becerra, Under Grad
Program Assistant
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Caitlyn Hood, MA
Clinical psychology doctoral candidate
University of Kentucky
Charleston, South Carolina
Olivia Bravoco, BS
Program Manager
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Tatiana Davidson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Medical University of South Carolina
charleston, South Carolina
Kenneth Ruggiero, PhD
Professor
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, SC
Leigh Ridings, PhD
Assistant Professor
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Background: More than 120,000 children in the US are hospitalized annually for pediatric traumatic injuries (PTI). Between 20-40% develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression that often impact academic, social, and/or behavioral functioning. Caregivers also demonstrate high distress after PTI and need support to accelerate their emotional recovery. Pediatric trauma centers are well-positioned to screen and address families’ mental health needs after PTI; however, only half offer mental health screening and follow-up resources. The CAARE (Caregivers’ Aid to Accelerate Recovery after pediatric Emergencies) model offers a cost-effective, scalable solution to address mental health following PTI. CAARE harnesses technology using a symptom self-monitoring SMS program and mHealth application to promote emotional recovery for traumatically injured children and their caregivers post-injury. This presentation will discuss engagement data from the pilot and initial rollout of the SMS program and its integration with the app-based components of CAARE.
Method: Participants were 20 caregivers of children ages 2-11 hospitalized for PTI. Caregivers enrolled in a SMS program and received two texts per day for 30 days to track their own and their child’s emotional and behavioral health along with corresponding educational and coping tips designed to accelerate recovery. Qualitative interviews were conducted approximately 30 days after completing the SMS program to assess caregivers’ reaction to CAARE, including potential use of an mHealth app after PTI.
Results: Caregivers responded to 68% of the texts. Most caregivers responded to at least one text assessing child distress (91%) or caregiver distress (90%). Themes from qualitative interviews included: (1) an mHealth app would be useful post-injury and should include coping skills, psychoeducation, and family testimonial videos, and (2) integration of the app-based SMS program would be helpful to monitor symptoms and track progress. Based on caregiver feedback, wireframes of the app were developed featuring cognitive restructuring tips, relaxation exercises, symptom tracking, and educational videos.
Conclusion: SMS program engagement rates were high and yielded promising results. Caregivers were enthusiastic about the SMS program and the potential use of an app following PTI. SMS programs and mHealth apps offer cost-effective options that pediatric trauma centers can adopt to facilitate the emotional recovery of their PTI patients and caregivers.