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A novel behavioral health program for family caregivers of children admitted to a transitional chronic ventilator unit
Author(s) -
Borschuk Adrienne P.,
Williams Sara E.,
McClure Jessica M.,
Kendall Megan,
Mack Lisa,
Coleman Michelle,
Gurbani Neepa,
Benscoter Dan,
Amin Raouf,
Stark Lori J.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.25327
Subject(s) - medicine , distress , psychological intervention , population , clinical psychology , psychiatry , environmental health
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).