Resilient, recovering, distressed: A longitudinal qualitative study of parent psychosocial trajectories following child critical injury

Abstract

This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and address families' psychosocial support needs following child injury. Screening for parent psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder is needed from the time of the child's admission, and a dedicated trauma support role can facilitate an integrated care approach for children and families with complex needs across the care continuum.