From our BEST friends, HeadStrong:
Brian Johnston, Chief of Pediatric Services at Harborview reached out recently about an exciting “trauma aftercare” program that they want to launch at Harborview and has asked for any help from us by telling our stories.
Some new support services that are being considered include: having a registry with active case management and scheduled check-ins from a case worker who would insure families got into scheduled follow-up care and received needed resources; a single point of contact for problems, questions or concerns after discharge; maybe an app to help with coordination of medical care, access to resources and to facilitate communication from the hospital to the patient; and creation of appropriate peer survivor or mentor networks.
Brian reached to HeadStrong to ask if any families or people would be willing to talk to him (or email) about their experience following care at Harborview. Brian said it would be very valuable to have stories from patients and families who have experienced the highs and lows of long term recovery after trauma. They want to understand the issues faced by people recovering from serious trauma and put a human face to the problem. People can call Brian or if they prefer, if they could share their stories via email, Brian will bring them to the UW Medicine team. The things he wants to emphasize include:
- Care coordination with other healthcare systems (or not…)
- Follow-up and aftercare instructions – knowing what to expect
- Return to school or work, and the support needed. Where did you find that advice and support?
- The importance of peer support – how were you connected to these networks?
- Any thoughts or ideas about how the hospital could have supported your family through the long period or recovery and readjustment that follows major trauma?
Please provide any and all feedback by April 5, 2019. Thank you!
You can reach Brian at the email and phone below:
Brian D. Johnston, MD MPH
Professor of Pediatrics | University of Washington
Chief of Service, Department of Pediatrics | Harborview Medical Center
Associate Chief of Clinical Services | Division of General Pediatrics
325 Ninth Avenue – Box 359774, Seattle, Washington 98104
206.744.9507