Patients experiencing physical trauma are well treated in emergency departments and hospitals. Now we are also ensuring their mental health is addressed through “Use of a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Self-Assessment Mental Health Tool in a Population with Identified Trauma.” We are screening patients experiencing trauma with the PCL-5 tool in-house and post discharge. PCL-5 is a self-report questionnaire used to screen for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and monitor symptoms.  The project is led by staff nurse Jessica Pemberton, MSN, RN, CEN,TCRN, CAISS, CSTR, Director Amy Brammer, MSN, RN, TCRN, TNS, CEN, CAISS, CSTR, NHDP-BC, and psychologist Sasha Melnikova.

Preliminary results (enrollment continues):

38 patients have enrolled. 5 of the 38 have been enrolled in therapy after a post discharge screening. This is 13% of the study participants.

Their mechanisms of injury include fall, gun shot wound, motor vehicle collision, pedestrian struck and fall from roof. Two have screened positive for clinically significant PTSD symptoms.

The average age of the participants who screen positive is 43 years old, and their average Injury Severity Score (ISS) is 18.8. An ISS score greater than 16 is considered critical.

During this study we have noted several successes; a patient who received inpatient screening sought care for substance abuse post discharge. Another patient screened positive 6 weeks post discharge was triaged by mental health and received needed services.

The team is looking forward to sharing our final results in 2026.