This implementation study aims to identify the barriers and enablers to introducing a PTSD screening tool for major trauma patients in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Conducted by Dr. Siska Falconer and her team at the University of Auckland, the study will take place at Te Whatu Ora Counties Manukau from September 2024 to March 2025. The research focuses on defining the challenges and facilitators associated with implementing PTSD screening using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals involved in trauma care.
The study addresses the lack of existing PTSD screening mechanisms for trauma patients, a gap that affects the management and recovery of individuals with PTSD. The objective is to improve mental health support and patient outcomes by exploring the feasibility of integrating a screening tool into clinical practice.
Data will be collected from 30 in-person semi-structured interviews/ hui and 40 questionnaire respondents, targeting relevant stakeholders including surgeons, registrars, nurses, and persons with lived experience. The study will use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to evaluate factors such as intervention characteristics, stakeholder engagement, and setting readiness.
Key outcomes will include identifying practical barriers to implementation and assessing stakeholder perspectives on the utility of a screening tool. Results are expected to guide the development of a pilot study and inform strategies for broader implementation, aiming to enhance early detection and intervention for PTSD in trauma patients. This research is crucial for aligning mental health care with Māori values and improving overall patient care in the New Zealand healthcare system.