PTSD in Hospitalised Older People following acute illness

PhD

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder in Hospitalised Older People following acute illness

What we are doing?

I have witnessed older people who have had an acute illness showing symptoms which are associated with PTSD such as anxiety, poor sleep patterns or irritability, or a low mood whilst in hospital. However, it is by no means understood that these patients are experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]. The study will use mixed methods incorporating a questionnaire to help identify suitable patients for participation phase II of the study. In phase II a case study approach using purposive sampling and implementing a constructivist Grounded Theory approach will be used to understand the experience of severe illness and the effects on mental health for older people’s, their families’ and carers.

Why we are doing it?

Understanding if PTSD exists in the community hospital population and the experiences of older people and their carers and the ability of staff to meet those needs is key to addressing the personal and organisational costs of the condition; and in the longer-term interventions will be developed to improve patient outcomes such as quality of life, hospital length of stay, and nursing care in practice.

What the benefits will be and to whom?

Understanding the experiences of patients and their families, and carers effects such as quality of life, hospital length of stay, and nursing care is important and through recommendations could improve patient care and experience, and save money for the NHS and social services.

Who we are working with?

I am going to be working with patients who have had an acute illness, their carers, and clinical staff from Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

I will also be working with the patient and public involvement group in Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust.

I am also working in partnership with, and am grateful to, De Montfort University Faculty of Health and Life Science and NIHR ARC East Midlands, who are funding this PhD.

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