Implementing a post-traumatic stress disorder screening for first responders in rural area

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a significant public health problem especially among first responders who are routinely exposed to traumatic events. First responders in rural areas are faced with additional stressors. The purpose of this quality improvement program was to implement PTSD screening for first responders at a primary care concierge clinic.

Implementation of PTSD screening program among first responders was conducted from October to December 2020, using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 with Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 and Criterion A (PCL-5 with LEC-5 and Criterion A).

First responders who visited the clinic during program implementation period.

Numbers of PTSD screening, positive screening, positive PTSD symptoms, and referral.

Thirty-four first responders completed the PTSD screening. 23.5% (n = 8) of first responders were screened positive. Almost 80% of first responders reported experiencing at least one PSTD symptom (n = 27). Six of the eight screened positive first responders (75%) received a referral.

The standardized PTSD screening protocol utilizing PCL-5 was effective to identify first responders with PTSD. It can be integrated into the workflow of a primary care concierge clinic and help improving PTSD assessment in first responders and initiated referrals.