Comparative effectiveness of parent-based interventions to support injured children

Marizen R. Ramirez, Javier E. Flores, Briana Woods-Jaeger, Joseph E. Cavanaugh, Corinne Peek-Asa, Cassidy Branch, Mallory Bolenbaugh, Vidya Chande, Graeme Pitcher, Henry W. Ortega, Kimberly A. Randell, Kristel Wetjen, Lisa Roth, Justin Kenardy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: A comparative effectiveness trial tested 2 parent-based interventions in improving the psychosocial recovery of hospitalized injured children: (1) Link for Injured Kids (Link), a program of psychological first aid in which parents are taught motivational interviewing and stress-screening skills, and (2) Trauma Education, based on an informational booklet about trauma and its impacts and resources. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 4 children's hospitals in the Midwestern United States. Children aged 10 to 17 years admitted for an unintentional injury and a parent were recruited and randomly assigned to Link or Trauma Education. Parents and children completed questionnaires at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months posthospitalization. Using an intent-to-treat analysis, changes in child-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, quality of life, and child behaviors were compared between intervention groups. RESULTS: Of 795 injured children, 314 children and their parents were enrolled into the study (40%). Link and Trauma Education was associated with improved symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and pediatric quality of life at similar rates over time. However, unlike those in Trauma Education, children in the Link group had notable improvement of child emotional behaviors and mild improvement of conduct and peer behaviors. Compared with Trauma Education, Link was also associated with improved peer behaviors in rural children. CONCLUSION: Although children in both programs had reduced posttrauma symptoms over time, Link children, whose parents were trained in communication and referral skills, exhibited a greater reduction in problem behaviors.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere2020046920
JournalPediatrics
Volume148
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose. FUNDING: Supported by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, CER-1306-02918. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute required the 2-arm design and requested the removal of a no-treatment arm. POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: The authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.

Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2021 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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