Trauma-informed care is an approach that aims to recognise and empathise with the impact that trauma has had on an individual. Healthcare providers are learning how they can best interact with victims of sexual, physical, or emotional trauma in a style and environment that avoids re-traumatisation.
The aim is to eliminate anxiety and remove triggering environments during medical care to increase the effectiveness of treatments and improve interactions with patients. However, according to the NHS, there has been a lack of consensus in the health and social care sector on trauma-informed practice.
What is re-traumatisation?
After experiencing trauma, particularly sexual trauma, seeking medical help can seem intimidating and triggering for many. They may be asked to remove clothing and undergo invasive procedures that could lead to flashbacks of their abuse. Patients may shut down, become aggressive or refuse treatment and miss appointments. They may feel ashamed or guilty and choose not to seek help at all.
What does this look like?
A trauma-informed care approach is specifically designed for a patient’s needs and requires understanding and patience. Policies, procedures, and principles must be welcoming and safe for a patient so that they are willing to undergo medical treatment.
There are many organisations that can provide trauma informed practice training, such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training. Those who have undergone such training are able to recognize all types of trauma and how to continue with treatment safely and effectively.
This approach helps all sorts of patients, including those who may appear nervous and uncomfortable answering questions. Training can show how to recognise different types of trauma. It outlines 5 principles of trauma-informed care to give healthcare providers the knowledge and tools to proceed in the best way possible for their patients.
A brighter future
Trauma-informed care aims to avoid re-traumatisation for each and every patient by looking at their needs as a whole. Revisiting past trauma can affect their comfort, confidence, and willingness to seek medical help in the future, so it is crucial to use a trauma-informed care approach. It is time to add empathy, understanding and kindness to care.
