Paediatric Post-Traumatic Stress Risk for Young People and Parents following Acute Admission for Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome: Retrospective Analysis of Psychological Screening and Support

Abstract

Background: Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (PIMS-TS) is a novel condition that was identified for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Limited research exists that describes the psychological needs of children and young people (CYP) following an acute hospital admission for PIMS-TS. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to explore both psychological need and access to psychology services for CYP and their families who were admitted to a paediatric tertiary hospital in London, UK, for PIMS-TS between April 2020 and May 2021. Results: We included 121 CYP and a parent/caregiver for each. In total, 23.3% of the CYP were at risk of developing a traumatic stress response and 11.6% were at risk of experiencing emotional disturbance. Of the parents screened, 40.5% also scored above clinical cut-off for a trauma response. There was a significant relationship observed between CYP and parents identified as having a trauma risk. Conclusions: The importance of proactive screening for both trauma and emotional distress in CYP and their parents/caregivers following acute hospital admission is highlighted. In addition, there is a need to think about a CYP as part of a system of care and to ensure that clinicians pay attention to parental wellbeing and mental health when understanding the psychological impact on a child.