Faculty Collaboration Database

Efficiency of a four-item posttraumatic stress disorder screen in trauma patients. J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2013 Oct;75(4):722-7

Date

09/26/2013

Pubmed ID

24064889

DOI

10.1097/TA.0b013e3182a53a5f

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84885368434 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   49 Citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the most common barriers identified by physicians who fail to screen for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in trauma patients is time constraint. We hypothesized the four-question Primary Care-PTSD screen (PC-PTSD) was an acceptable alternative to the commonly used 17-question Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C).

METHODS: Consecutive trauma patients admitted to a Level I trauma center were given the PCL-C at the time of hospitalization. The four questions of the PC-PTSD are contained within the PCL-C. A positive PC-PTSD screen result was an endorsement of least three of the four questions. An overall score of greater than 44 on the PCL-C indicated a positive screen result. Sensitivity and specificity comparisons were made between the PCL-C and the PC-PTSD.

RESULTS: Data were collected from 1,347 patients hospitalized for injury. The PC-PTSD identified 17.22% of patients with PTSD risk, and the PCL-C identified 16.10% at risk. Before discharge, the PC-PTSD has reasonable sensitivity in capturing the population at risk PTSD symptoms.

CONCLUSION: In trauma patients before hospital discharge, the PC-PTSD is comparable with the PCL-C. Although some sensitivity is lost,the PC-PTSD is a shorter screen, and the loss of sensitivity may be offset by an increased frequency of administration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, level III.

Author List

Hanley J, deRoon-Cassini T, Brasel K

Authors

Jessica M. Hanley MD Assistant Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Terri A. deRoon Cassini PhD Center Director, Professor in the Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Checklist
Female
Humans
Male
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Risk Factors
Sensitivity and Specificity
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Trauma Centers
Wounds and Injuries