Writing away the trauma: diaries may ease PTSD in parents of ICU kids
NCT ID NCT04961697
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether keeping a hospital diary during a child's stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) could improve mental health outcomes for families. Over 400 families participated across four PICUs in Rio de Janeiro. Researchers measured anxiety, depression, PTSD, and quality of life at discharge and 60 days later. The goal is to see if this simple, low-cost tool can help families process their experience and reduce long-term emotional distress.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- hospital diaries
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to support families after a child's intensive care stay.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage, observational study with no blinding or placebo, so results may be influenced by other factors. The diaries may not reduce mental health symptoms for all families.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
D'Or Institute for Research and Education
Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22281-100, Brazil
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