Issue

Data from several other studies showed that between a quarter and a third of workers exposed to traumatic events develop symptoms of PTSD and that 34% of individuals who experienced work-related physical injuries went on to report symptoms of PTSD
Research also shows that PTSD is associated with absenteeism, unemployment, and work disability.
This study would conduct a network meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCT) to evaluate therapies for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to determine which therapies show evidence of promoting functional recovery and return to work (RTW) as well as the relative effectiveness of these treatments.

Objectives

The proposed study would undertake the following activities:
• Evaluate all treatments for PTSD and the relative effectiveness of treatments;
• Evaluate the quality of evidence in a thorough and consistent manner using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system;
• Prioritize functional recovery with a focus on RTW;
• Synthesize evidence from all published RCT on PTSD treatments and reported functional recovery;
• Guide evidence-based management of patients with PTSD with the assistance of knowledge users who would participate in the study under the knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) plan for the study;
• Identify new areas of inquiry for research and practice; and
• Develop new educational tools for patients and clinicians.

Anticipated Results

The study will result in a review of all available literature on PTSD treatment, identify the effectiveness of treatment modalities and outcomes and focus on functional recovery and RTW. The results will guide evidence-based management of patients, identify new areas of inquiry for research and practice and develop new educational tools fro patients a clinicians. The results could also have broad application to all employment sectors and would build up the scientific knowledge base.