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Medical trauma and injuries

Psychological trauma and grief associated with medical trauma and injuries

Life threatening illness or injury may be associated with loss and grief, and at times psychological trauma. Some treatments may be very painful and frightening for children.

Prolonged hospitalisation can cause forced separations from families, significant schooling disruptions and severe economic hardship. If disability has occurred then losses might occur around body image, life and sporting goals as well as self esteem.

There may be ongoing problems and losses, for instance if disability results, or there are significant schooling disruptions.

Australian Resources

So you've been in an accident
Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD), University of Queensland

Online resource for children and adolescents who have been in an accident.

So you've been in an accident: A book for parents about dealing with accidents
Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD), University of Queensland

A 6-page booklet to accompany the online resource for children and adolescents. 

Does the Child Trauma Screening Questionnaire predict which children are at risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic accident?
Evidence-Based Mental Health 2007 

International Resources

Medical Trauma Resources
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (USA)