PTSD Symptoms Are Common After Emergency Department Visits

Compassionate care, as perceived by the patient, is associated with a lower rate of PTSD symptoms at follow-up.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are common after life-threatening medical events, including stroke, heart attack, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Patients with PTSD symptoms have higher risk for mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events.

Researchers prospectively evaluated the association between perception of compassionate care and development of PTSD symptoms in patients undergoing intensive medical care (noninvasive positive pressure ventilation, continuous bronchodilators, vasopressors, central line placement, tube thoracostomy, and/or intubation) at a single urban academic emergency department (ED). Patients rated their perception of healthcare provider compassion at the end of the ED course. PTSD symptom…

Reviewing Author

Jason T. McMullan, MD, MS, FAEMS

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardEMCREG International

Grant/Research SupportNIH; Department of Defense

Editorial BoardsJournal of Emergency Medical Services

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Association of EMS Physicians (Chair, Research Committee)