A novel behavioral health program for family caregivers of children admitted to a transitional chronic ventilator unit. Issue 6 (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borschuk, Adrienne P.; Williams, Sara E.; McClure, Jessica M.; Kendall, Megan; Mack, Lisa; Coleman, Michelle; Gurbani, Neepa; Benscoter, Dan; Amin, Raouf; Stark, Lori J.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric pulmonology. Volume 56:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 1635
• Page End: 1643
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: evidence‐based medicine & outcomes -- mechanical ventilation -- social dimensions of pulmonary medicine; Pediatric respiratory diseases -- Periodicals; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; 618.922
• DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25327
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 8755-6863

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The care of mechanically ventilated pediatric patients is complex and burdensome. It is essential to adequately support the family caregivers of these children to optimize outcomes; however, there is no literature describing interventions for caregivers in this population. Research Question: This study described a novel behavioral health program and examined its impact on family caregiver engagement and psychological distress on a pediatric inpatient chronic ventilator unit. Study Design and Methods: Electronic chart review was completed with retrospective and prospective participant enrollment for the purposes of longitudinal evaluation of caregiver engagement. For analytic purposes, participants were grouped into three categories: (1) preprogram, (2) postprogram, and (3) postprogram with completion of psychotherapy. Results: The behavioral health program was associated with increased caregiver participation in rounds, t = 7.76, p = < .001. Parents who completed a course of psychotherapy within the behavioral health program demonstrated reduced time to training completion ( F = 5.89; p < .01), higher staff‐rated caregiver engagement ( F = 3.69; p < .05), and significantly reduced levels of caregiver distress ( t = 2.09; p < .05).