ABSTRACT
This study describes the creation, operation, patient characteristics, and outcomes of a new hospital-wide, trauma-recovery service in a Maryland state psychiatric hospital. We identified psychiatric admissions who had trauma, causing current distress. Our assessments included a structured clinical interview, the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40, and the Trauma Symptom Inventory. Outcomes included service utilization, average group attendance, and patient satisfaction. During the 1st year of operation (February 2004–February 2005), 490 of 752 admissions (65.1%) were screened for trauma. Of those, 256 (52%) were identified and referred for treatment, and 161 received specialized treatment. Compared to other admissions, trauma survivors were more likely to be Caucasian and have mood or substance use diagnoses. A trauma diagnosis was present in the record of only 2.34% of survivors. We conclude that psychiatric inpatients may have high rates of trauma and current distress, and they may benefit from integrated treatment that is associated with good outcomes.
Special thanks to Drs. Keith Hannan and Carly Pranger for their help with the database; to Deforest McDuff, Amy Hancock, and Kelly Schultz, for their assistance with data analysis; and to Bonnie Smith and the SHC Medical Records Staff for demographic and diagnostic data for analysis.