Faculty Collaboration Database

Acceptability and Feasibility of Text Message Interface to Assess Parents' Real-time PICU Experiences. J Intensive Care Med 2024 Feb;39(2):159-169

Date

08/22/2023

Pubmed ID

37605433

DOI

10.1177/08850666231195754

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85170078388 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Parents of children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) experience substantial stress; a parent's perception of their child's illness severity, more than objective measures, predicts psychological outcomes. No tools exist to assess parents' real-time experiences. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a text-based tool to measure parental experience.

METHODS: Inclusion criteria included PICU stay >48 h, physician approval, smartphone access, and English-speaking caregiver. Eligible parents received a text-based baseline survey and surveys every other day while hospitalized regarding their mood/experiences and optional open-ended questions regarding stressors. They received post-discharge follow-up surveys at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. Follow-up surveys assessed mood and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress. Interviews and surveys about the interface were conducted 1 week and 3 months following discharge. Feasibility was assessed by descriptive statistics (eg, response rates), and acceptability was assessed by descriptive statistics (survey results) and thematic analyses of interviews.

RESULTS: Of 20 enrolled participants, the first 5 were excluded due to technical issues. Of the 15 included, results demonstrated feasibility and acceptability. Most participants (86%) completed all surveys during the PICU stay and continued to complete surveys at a high rate: 79%-94% 3 months post-discharge. All participants agreed that the system was easy to use and were satisfied with the system at discharge, and 91% remained satisfied 3 months post-discharge. Additionally, 76% reported comfort, and 69% reported benefit. From the interviews, participants lauded the system's convenience and applicability of content. Some proposed changes to improve ergonomics. Many suggested this interface could help teams better support families.

CONCLUSIONS: A text-based interface for measuring experience in the PICU is feasible and acceptable to parents. Further research can explore how this could identify parents most at risk of adverse psychological sequelae and lead to earlier supportive interventions.

Author List

Rothschild CB, Balistreri KA, Mulligan K, Lee KJ, Karst J, Privatt M, Magner K, Lee HJ, Scanlon M, Davies WH, Pediatric Collaborative for Resilience and Emotional Wellness Science (Pediatric CREWS)

Authors

Jeffrey S. Karst PhD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
K Jane Lee MD Interim Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Charles Baron Rothschild MD Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Matthew C. Scanlon MD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin

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

Aftercare
Child
Feasibility Studies
Humans
Intensive Care Units, Pediatric
Parents
Patient Discharge
Pilot Projects
Text Messaging