What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate a pilot stepped care program aimed at promoting psychological adjustment post-injury.

February 22, 2026Psychological Services0 citations

Providing accessible, effective services to promote postinjury psychological adjustment: Lessons learned from a stepped care intervention program pilot.

麻永麻貴永岡University of Colorado Colorado Springs TDTimothy J. DoengesUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs GBGemma BromUniversity of Colorado Colorado Springs

Key Points

Evaluate a pilot stepped care program aimed at promoting psychological adjustment post-injury.
Collaboration with a U.S. Level 1 trauma center
Participants included patients with physical injuries
Program provided 4-6 weeks of tailored cognitive behavioral therapy
Data collected through pre- to postsurveys including qualitative feedback
38 out of 149 referred patients engaged in therapy
Substantial improvements observed in PTSD and depressive symptoms
Increased coping self-efficacy and self-compassion reported
Positive patient feedback regarding program accessibility and flexibility

Abstract

Physical injury events can lead to significant distress, but early psychosocial intervention may promote coping and prevent the development of psychopathology. This study evaluates a pilot program built upon a partnership with a U.S. Level 1 trauma center to serve these purposes. It aimed to (a) identify demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who engaged in therapy as an indicator of who such a program can serve and (b) evaluate the program's feasibility by examining patients' reported mental health-related changes and feedback about the program. The program provided 4-6 weeks of flexible, trauma-informed, patient-tailored, cognitive behaviorally oriented psychotherapy that emphasized trauma psychoeducation, coping self-efficacy, and self-compassion to facilitate symptom reduction, psychological growth, and preparation for transitioning to longer term trauma-focused therapy when appropriate (i.e., stepped care). Of the 149 patients referred to the program, 38 engaged in therapy, and 16 completed pre- to postsurveys including open-ended items soliciting feedback about the program and validated quantitative measures. Patient feedback responses were subjected to thematic analyses related to facets of feasibility. Patients' feedback included suggestions and appreciation of the program's accessibility and flexibility as well as evidence supporting the program's feasibility, in terms of acceptability, demand, and limited-efficacy testing. Relatedly, substantial quantitative improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, coping self-efficacy, self-compassion, and posttraumatic growth were observed. This work demonstrates the potential utility of brief stabilization therapy programs to meet postinjury psychosocial needs, and it highlights successes and challenges that may inform the development and implementation of future programs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper