At the 2024 Western Pediatric Trauma Conference, Katherine Alvarez, PA-C from Stanford University, presented her research on screening for acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorders in pediatric trauma patients. Her study highlights the importance of early mental health screening and follow-up evaluations to identify at-risk children who may otherwise go unnoticed.

Key Takeaways:

• Trauma & Mental Health: Pediatric trauma is a leading cause of morbidity, but mental health consequences are often overlooked.
• Screening Program: A pilot program using the Acute Stress Checklist 3 for initial screening and follow-up evaluations in outpatient trauma clinics.
• Impact of PTSD: Persistent PTSD symptoms correlate with decreased quality of life, even after full physical recovery.
• Call to Action: Serial screenings and proactive mental health interventions should be a standard part of pediatric trauma care.

This research underscores the need for integrating mental health evaluations into pediatric trauma protocols.