Survey of specialised UK traumatic stress services

Abstract

Aims and method: The aim of the survey was to establish the organisational structure and practice of specialised services for post-traumatic stress in the UK. Questionnaires were collected from 17 specialised trauma services across the UK. Results: Specialised trauma services use similar therapeutic programmes, but differ with respect to the characteristics of the treated clientele and organisational features. Although almost all services routinely measure outcome, some of the instruments used vary. There is no clear association between staff resources and number of patients treated. Clinical implications: Specialised traumatic stress services in the UK employ evidence-based treatment methods. A uniform protocol to measure outcome may help to establish a common UK-wide database on outcome of specialised treatment, and facilitate a reliable comparison between different service organisations and programmes. Organisational features should be considered to increase the efficiency of services.