Abstract
The Trauma Survivors Network (TSN) was developed as a program of the American Trauma Society (ATS) to support recovery for adult trauma patients. However, the children of adult trauma patients, families of pediatric trauma patients, and pediatric trauma patients previously had scarce resources. Our institution, in collaboration with the ATS, sought to expand the TSN to support pediatric trauma patients, caregivers, and family members. We aimed to determine whether the TSN could be transferred to the pediatric population. Focus groups identified psychosocial needs of younger survivors, children of adult survivors, and caregivers. A Pediatric TSN Coordinator was hired, Pediatric TSN Peer Visitors were recruited and trained, and Pediatric TSN Activity Hour was implemented for pediatric patients and families. Since implementation 1 year ago, 26 peer visitors have been trained and have conducted approximately 200 visitations. In total, 93 patients and family members have attended Pediatric TSN Activity Hour. TSN services can be adapted to address psychosocial needs of pediatric trauma survivors, families, and children of trauma survivors. When possible, sharing resources between an existing adult TSN program and a pediatric program is valuable to facilitate expansion. TSN complements and strengthens the care offered at our institution by providing patient-centered and family-centered care services for the entire family at various stages of development. The implementation of this program might be different at sites without an existing adult TSN with established resources and support. This article describes the development and implementation of the program; we did not assess outcomes.