Randomised controlled trial of psychological debriefing for victims of acute burn trauma

TLDR

Psychological debriefing (PD) is widely used after major traumatic events to reduce psychological sequelae. One hundred thirty‑three adult burn trauma victims were randomized to receive a single PD session or no intervention, and 110 were followed up at 3 and 13 months. At 13 months, 26 % of the PD group had PTSD versus 9 % of controls, suggesting that a single debriefing session may worsen outcomes and that one‑off interventions should be reconsidered.

Abstract

Background Psychological debriefing (PD) is widely used following major traumatic events in an attempt to reduce psychological sequelae. Method One hundred and thirty-three adult burn trauma victims entered the study. After initial questionnaire completion, participants were randomly allocated to an individual/couple PD group or a control group who received no intervention; 110 (83%) were interviewed by an assessor blind to PD status three and 13 months later. Results Sixteen (26%) of the PD group had PTSD at 13-month follow-up, compared with four (9%) of the control group. The PD group had higher initial questionnaire scores and more severe dimensions of burn trauma than the control group, both of which were associated with a poorer outcome. Conclusions This study seriously questions the wisdom of advocating one-off interventions post-trauma, and should stimulate research into more effective initiatives.