West London NHS Trust

ID 376

The Pan-London Major Trauma Psychology Project provides vital psychological support to patients who have suffered traumatic injuries.

The provision of timely psychological support to patients who have suffered Major Trauma significantly reduces psychological distress and, in numerous instances, can prevent the development of more complex psychological conditions such as PTSD. Studies have shown that PTSD accounts for 0.6% of male suicide and 3.5% of female suicide. Preventing and treating PTSD saves lives. Initial feedback from patients suggests that the psychology service is also supporting early discharge and increasing the uptake of other support services such as IAPT. Early access to IAPT and other services significantly improves patient wellbeing and reduces future service usage. As well as the numerous benefits to patients, the psychology service also benefits staff, friends and family members, and the wider community. The Major Trauma Psychology service supports the friends and families of patients as well as the staff who care for them. There is evidence that this support reduces violence, improves employment chances, reduces future mental health problems and helps retain staff. To continue providing this service to patients, families and staff, we need to robustly evaluate the service to demonstrate these benefits, and access to the Northwest London Data will help do that.

18/01/2024

TRE