Mental health interventions reduce readmissions for trauma patients

Editor's Note

Mental health intervention significantly reduces the likelihood of trauma survivors returning to the hospital in crisis after discharge, according to a study in the January 2024 issue of Annals of Surgery.

According to the data, as many as 4 out of 10 of the 1.5 to 2 million Americans hospitalized annually for traumatic injuries will experience post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological difficulties. Although the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma requires trauma centers to recognize these struggles and provide referrals, there is no uniform protocol for this intervention. To determine the impact of such intervention, researchers conducted a 5-year clinical trial involving 171 patients from a University of Washington trauma center who were being treated for injuries relating from car crashes, firearm injuries (including self-inflicted), and domestic violence over the course of five years. 

Specific mental health interventions included having survivors describe their experience, coordinating care for mental health needs during the hospital stay, and offering 24/7 access to support after they leave the hospital. Three to six months after the initial trauma, 27% of standard care patients returned to the hospital, compared to 16% of intervention patients. At 12 to 15 months, it was 31% of those in the standard care group, versus 17% of those in the intervention group.

According to the researchers, the findings indicate that people feel they are being adequately supported after leaving the hospital, and have access to the resources they need. Such interventions are a win for patients, and for hospitals, by reducing use of expensive emergency department resources.