Abstract
There is a high incidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and PTSD symptoms among intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. Each year millions of Americans are placed into the ICU for treatment of critical illness. Of these patients, 22 to 28% of them will develop severe PTSD and depression (Davydow, Zatzick, Hough, & Katon, 2013). Signs and symptoms of PTSD may appear after an ICU stay for up to 12 months' post discharge (Hatch, McKechnie, & Griffiths, 2011). The devastating effect that PTSD has on patients greatly decreases their quality of life. Sadly, finding an effective method of screening has proven to be a challenge (Wade et al, 2014). Multiple studies have identified predisposing factors of PTSD among ICU survivors, though little has been accomplished in screening and preventing PTSD among at risk ICU patients. With a lack of available screening tools, there is also a lack of in-depth assessment and appropriate timing of the treatment of the ICU patient during their ICU stay and after discharge. The purpose of this paper is to describe the need for an instrument to be implemented into the nursing assessment to screen patients for possible PTSD signs and symptoms, while in the ICU. Thus, providing a guide for advocacy of psychiatric consultation.