With a child in the hospital, parents may experience PTSD | Patient Centered Care and Trauma Informed Care for Pediatric Patients

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

Symptoms of traumatic stress from medical events can affect not only the pediatric patients, but their parents/caregivers as well.

Symptoms of traumatic stress from medical events can affect not only the pediatric patients, but their parents/caregivers as well. This trauma from a child's illness diagnosis or injury can last well beyond the conclusion of medical treatment for many parents. "I feel fragile and vulnerable," Melanie Wellbeloved says. "Everyone keeps celebrating Mason's progress. But I feel that I can't let my guard down and have to be prepared for anything at any time ... it's always there." Screening for symptoms of traumatic stress is often the first step to identifying parents who need extra support while their child stays in the hospital. Educational resources on finding ways to help themselves cope may also help parents.

Does your hospital screen parents for symptoms of traumatic stress or PTSD?

Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

Patient Education

Screening & Assessment

Intervention

Trauma-Informed Care

COVID-19

Resources