This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of a brief computerized intervention (the computer game "Tetris") on intrusive memories and other posttraumatic stress symptoms following an emergency cesarean section (ECS). Women who have undergone an emergency cesarian section will be randomly allocated to either the brief computerized intervention plus usual care or an attention placebo control group plus usual care within the first 6 hours following the ECS. Women and their infants will be followed up at ≤ 1 week postpartum, 6 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum. It is predicted that women given the brief computerized intervention will develop fewer intrusive memories and less posttraumatic stress symptoms than those who are not. This will inform the development of a simple computerized early intervention to prevent distressing psychological symptoms after a traumatic event, such as an ECS.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
Women:
* had an ECS at ≥ 34 weeks gestation
* gave birth to a live baby
* answered with a score of ≥ 2 separately for at least two out of four screening questions regarding perceived threat
* gave written consent
Partners:
* if the woman agrees to participate
* was present at the childbirth
* gave written consent
Exclusion Criteria:
Women:
* don't speak French sufficiently well to participate in assessments
* have an established intellectual disability or psychotic illness
* severe illness of mother or infant (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease, severe neurodevelopmental difficulties, malformations)
* infant requires intensive care
* alcohol abuse and/or illegal drug use during pregnancy
Partner:
\- don't speak French sufficiently well to participate in assessments
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
presence and severity of PTSD symptoms: clinician-rated (mother)
Timeframe: 6 weeks postpartum
2
presence and severity of PTSD symptoms: self-report (mother)