- Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.
Topic Comparative effectiveness of screening tools for PTSD in children and adolescents.Key questions1What are the sensitivity and specificity of available screening instruments for detecting PTSD in children and adolescents2Are the effectiveness of these instruments affected by setting ie clinic vs school or who is doing the screening physician nurse teacher3What are the harms of screening4Does screening for PTSD in children and adolescents improve longterm health outcomes compared to no screeningPatient population Children and adolescents who have been exposed to trauma including family violence maltreatment and violence outside the home.
- Describe why this topic is important.
In our society children and adolescents are exposed to violence in astonishing numbers. In 2012 state and local child protective services received 3.4 million references representing 6.2 million children. Of these complaints 78 were neglect cases 18 were physical abuse cases and 9 were sexual abuse cases and 11 were victims of other types of maltreatment CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. The Department of Justices National Survey of childrens exposure to violence showed that 60 of American children were exposed to violence crime or abuse in their homes schools and communities. This study also found that children exposed to violence were more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol suffer from depression and anxiety and posttraumatic disorders fail or have difficulty in school and engage in criminal behavior.
Early identification of these children allows for early intervention. An AHRQ evidence review showed that although the evidence was limited and underpowered cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial for these children.
- How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?
This topic came from members of the American Academy of Family Physicians. They asked for guidance on how to best screenidentify children at risk for developing PTSD. The relevant results of this systemic review will be provided to our membership through multiple communication channels to help guide them in caring for their patients who have been exposed to violence.
- Other Information About You: (optional)
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- Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate)
- Professional society
- If you are you making a suggestion on behalf of an organization, please state the name of the organization
- American Academy of Family Physicians
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