Understanding Parental Mental Health and Resilience Following Paediatric Intensive Care Admission

Project Description

Background:
This PhD project will investigate the mental health outcomes of parents whose children have been admitted to paediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Previous research has shown that post-traumatic stress disorder ranges from 10-40% in this population and persists long after their child’s discharge.1 Increasing numbers of children are living with lifelong health conditions,2 which adds pressure to families before, during and after PICU admission. While elevated rates of psychological distress in this population are relatively well-documented in a research setting, less is known about the factors that contribute to resilience and recovery over time.
Aims:
1. Quantify the prevalence and trajectory of mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD) in parents during and following their child’s PICU admission, using validated screening tools and longitudinal data collection.
2. Identify predictors of poor mental health and resilience, including demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors, to better understand which parents are most at risk and may benefit from early support.
3. Explore the lived experiences of resilience through qualitative interviews with parents, focusing on coping strategies, support systems, and other processes which may contribute to better outcomes.
Conclusion:
This mixed-methods project will generate evidence to inform the development of targeted interventions and support services for families navigating life post PICU admission. As the group of children living with lifelong conditions increases it is important to identify useful strategies to support their families to navigate uncertainty.

1: Yagiela et al. Parent Medical Traumatic Stress and Associated Family Outcomes After Pediatric Critical Illness: A Systematic Review. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine 2019 20(8): 759-768.
2: Fraser et al. Estimating the current and future prevalence of life-limiting conditions in children in England. Palliative Medicine 2021 53(9):1641-1651