Preliminary study on the relationship between visitation in the emergency department and posttraumatic mental health. Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • This study documented family/friend support to patients in the Emergency Department (ED), including bedside visits and transportation of patients from the ED after discharge, and measured depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms within 2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after motor vehicle accidents. Stress and depression symptoms significantly decreased during the initial three months. Family/friend visitation in the ED was negatively associated with anxiety and depression symptoms within 2 weeks and with stress symptoms months after trauma. This pilot study suggests family/friend visitation in the ED is associated with fewer mental health issues in the months following an accident.

published proceedings

  • Soc Work Ment Health

author list (cited authors)

  • Lubomirsky, B., Wang, X., Xie, H., Smirnoff, J. B., Biehn, T. L., Contractor, A. A., ... Tamburrino, M. B.

citation count

  • 3

complete list of authors

  • Lubomirsky, Bryan||Wang, Xin||Xie, Hong||Smirnoff, Jennifer B||Biehn, Tracey L||Contractor, Ateka A||Elhai, Jon D||Sutu, Christine||Brickman, Kristopher R||Liberzon, Israel||McLean, Samuel A||Tamburrino, Marijo B

publication date

  • January 2014