Technology Use, Preferences, and Capacity in Injured Patients at Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Objective: This investigation comprehensively assessed the technology use, preferences, and capacity of diverse injured trauma survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Method: A total of 121 patients participating in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of stepped collaborative care targeting PTSD symptoms were administered baseline one-, three-, and six-month interviews that assessed technology use. Longitudinal data about the instability of patient cell phone ownership and phone numbers were collected from follow-up interviews. PTSD symptoms were also assessed over the course of the six months after injury. Regression analyses explored the associations between cell phone instability and PTSD symptoms. Results: At baseline, 71.9% (n = 87) of patients reported current cell phone ownership, and over half (58.2%, n = 46) of these patients possessed basic cell phones. Only 19.0% (n = 23) of patients had no change in cell phone number or physical phone over the course of the six months postinjury. In regression models that adjusted for relevant clinical and demographic characteristics, cell phone instability was associated with higher six-month postinjury PTSD symptom levels (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Diverse injured patients at risk for the development of PTSD have unique technology use patterns, including high rates of cell phone instability. These observations should be strongly considered when developing technology-supported interventions for injured patients with PTSD.

Funding

This work was supported by a National Institute of Mental Health grant (K24/MH086814).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a National Institute of Mental Health grant (K24/MH086814).

Notes on contributors

Cory M. Kelly

Cory M. Kelly, BS, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Erik G. Van Eaton

Erik G. Van Eaton, MD, is affiliated with the Department of Surgery, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Joan E. Russo

Joan E. Russo, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Victoria C. Kelly

Victoria C. Kelly, BA, is affiliated with the Department of Surgical Services, Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Gregory J. Jurkovich

Gregory J. Jurkovich, MD, is affiliated with the Department of Surgery, University of California Davis Medical Center.

Doyanne A. Darnell

Doyanne A. Darnell, PhD, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Lauren K. Whiteside

Lauren K. Whiteside, MD, MS, is affiliated with the Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Jin Wang

Jin Wang, PhD, MS, is affiliated with the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Lea E. Parker

Lea E. Parker, BA, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Thomas H. Payne

Thomas H. Payne, MD, is affiliated with the Division of Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Sean D. Mooney

Sean D. Mooney, PhD, is affiliated with Academic Medical Center Information Systems, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Nigel Bush

Nigel Bush, PhD, is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense, National Center for Telehealth and Technology.

Douglas F. Zatzick

Douglas F. Zatzick, MD, is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.