Traumatic care

Traumatic events, such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, elder abuse, and combat trauma, can have serious long-term detrimental effects on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of an individual. These life events may lead to depression, distrust, smoking, substance abuse, shame, and low self-esteem. Traumatic events can also shape an individual’s comfort level and attitude toward health care. Routine preventative health care visits that involve invasive physical exams and close contact with a healthcare provider could trigger fear and anxiety in the patient.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a term that has been used in recent years in a variety of areas, including social services, education, mental health, and corrections to address the needs of people who have experienced traumatic life events. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma-informed care as a methodology to respond to those who are at risk or have experienced trauma. There are four essential approaches and six principles of trauma-informed care.

The four essential approaches of trauma-informed care can be found in a program, organization, or system that:

Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery.

Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others.

Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices.

Seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.

The six key principles of trauma-informed care include:

Safety – make sure your patient and family members feel safe, both physically and psychologically.

Trustworthiness and transparency – trust between patients, staff, and management are vital in building strong relationships.

Peer support – identify individuals with similar experiences of trauma helps to create safety, builds trust, enhances collaboration, and promotes recovery and healing.

Collaboration and mutuality – emphasize that all members of the team, including patients, are equal.

Empowerment, voice, and choice – identify individual strengths and differences and utilize them as the foundation for recovery and healing. Provide the patient with choices and an opportunity to share in the decision-making process, which results in a sense of control.

Recognition of cultural, historical, and gender issues – set aside cultural stereotypes and biases.