Feasibility and acceptability of Narrative Exposure Therapy to treat individuals with PTSD who are homeless or vulnerably housed: a pilot randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1186/s40814-022-01043-x
• Publication Date: 2022-04-15T07:03:28Z
• Authors: Nicole E. Edgar; Alexandria Bennett; Nicole Santos Dunn; Sarah E. MacLean; Simon Hatcher
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Attrition; Narrative therapy

Diagnosed PTSD rates in people who are homeless more than double that of the general population, ranging between 21 and 53%. Complex (cPTSD) also appears to be common PTSD. One treatment option is Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a brief trauma-focused psychotherapy which attempts place trauma within narrative person's life. Our primary aim was assess feasibility acceptability recruiting randomized controlled trial (RCT) NET alone compared augmented by genealogical assessment. We hypothesized incorporating assessment may effective population with predominately complex PTSD.This pilot RCT enrolled participants were 18 years age or older, currently vulnerably housed, active symptoms Participants plus Rates referral, consent, retention examined as part feasibility. Demographic clinical data collected at baseline. Symptoms PTSD, drug use, housing status re-assessed follow-up visits. conducted thematic analysis qualitative interviews service providers involved study explored barriers facilitators participation.Twenty-two potential referred study, 15 consenting participate. Of these, one screen failure 14 equally arms. participant withdrawn for safety. Attrition occurred primarily prior starting therapy. Once therapy began, high 80% completing all six sessions. Seven completed Service identified clear need emphasized importance trauma-informed care, desire know about NET, communication process referral.Recruiting housed an trauma-based possible. had started, likely stay engaged. will incorporate results this into conceptual model we test factorial optimization phase MOST.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03781297 . Registered: December 19, 2018.