Systematic Review: A Reevaluation and Update of the Integrative (Trajectory) Model of Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this systematic review is to reevaluate and update the Integrative Model of Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS; Kazak et al., 2006), which provides a conceptual framework for traumatic stress responses across pediatric illnesses and injuries.

Methods: Using established systematic review guidelines, we searched PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PubMed (producing 216 PMTS papers published since 2005), extracted findings for review, and organized and interpreted findings within the Integrative Model framework.

Results: Recent PMTS research has included additional pediatric populations, used advanced longitudinal modeling techniques, clarified relations between parent and child PMTS, and considered effects of PMTS on health outcomes. Results support and extend the model's five assumptions, and suggest a sixth assumption related to health outcomes and PMTS.

Conclusions: Based on new evidence, the renamed Integrative Trajectory Model includes phases corresponding with medical events, adds family-centered trajectories, reaffirms a competency-based framework, and suggests updated assessment and intervention implications.

Keywords: families; illness; injury; medical traumatic stress; pediatric; traumatic stress.