The acceptability, feasibility and adoption of a co-designed electronic post-injury psychosocial screening tool for carers of children admitted to hospital following injury

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and adoption of a co-designed electronic post-injury psychosocial screening tool for carers of paediatric trauma patients.

Design and methods

A mixed methods approach with a parallel convergent design was used. The study occurred at a tertiary paediatric hospital in Australia, with data collected between April 2023 and February 2024. Data were collected through electronic surveys, semi-structured interviews, and the psychosocial screening tool. Participants included caregivers of hospitalised children and clinicians from the hospital's trauma service.

Results

Although both caregivers and clinicians found the tool feasible and acceptable, adoption rates were lower than expected. Key barriers included the tool's timing, which conflicted with caregivers' focus on physical recovery and emotional challenges discussing trauma. Clinicians viewed the tool as research-focused, limiting engagement. Logistical barriers, such as lack of clinician support and timing, further reduced adoption.

Conclusion

The tool showed potential for improving psychosocial support post-injury, but adoption was hindered by timing, emotional challenges and clinician engagement.

Practice implications

Clinicians must prioritise the acceptability, feasibility and adoption of tools when implementing caregiver support interventions for children with traumatic injuries. Future research should focus on overcoming implementation barriers and optimising psychosocial screening tools. Subsequent versions should align with caregivers' recovery timelines, embrace trauma-informed principles, promote clinician buy-in and be culturally tailored. Enhanced integration into clinical workflows and greater clinician engagement will boost adoption and effectiveness.