A Synthesis of the Literature on Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

Patients with a history of traumatic life events can become distressed or re-traumatized as the result of healthcare experiences. These patients can benefit from trauma-informed care that is sensitive to their unique needs. However, despite the widespread prevalence of traumatic life experiences such as sexual assault and intimate partner violence, trauma-informed care has not been widely researched or implemented. The purpose of this synthesis of the literature is to examine existing research on trauma-informed care for survivors of physical and sexual abuse. The following themes are discussed: trauma screening and patient disclosure, provider-patient relationships, minimizing distress and maximizing autonomy, multidisciplinary collaboration and referrals, and trauma-informed care in diverse settings. This synthesis also explores implications for trauma-informed care research, practice and policy. The themes identified here could be used as a framework for creating provider and survivor educational interventions and for implementing trauma-informed care across disciplines. The findings of this synthesis support further research on patient and provider experiences of trauma-informed care, and research to test the efficacy of trauma-informed care interventions across healthcare settings. Universal implementation of trauma-informed care can ensure that the unique needs of trauma survivors as patients are met, and mitigate barriers to care and health disparities experienced by this vulnerable population.

Literature review of trauma‐informed care: Implications for mental health nurses working in acute inpatient settings in Australia

“…TIC is essentially a systems‐focussed approach that recognizes the pervasiveness and impact of trauma (Bateman et al . ; Kessler ; Reeves ). The TIC approach acknowledges that consumers have a high prevalence of historical trauma, and argues that service providers are in a powerful position to recognize and respond to their trauma (Bateman et al .…”

Screening Adults With Substance Use Disorder for Adverse Childhood Experiences

“…Trauma-informed care provides a framework for incorporating a safe, empathetic Several studies examined TIC within the SUD treatment programs and the impact on recovery from SUD and trauma (Jason, Olson, Mueller, Walt, & Aase, 2011;Oral et al, 2015;Reevs, 2015). The major theme of a Level III meta-synthesis of the literature on TIC found that in spite of the extensive research on the effects of trauma on physical and mental health, there is limited research and implementation of TIC within diverse settings (Reevs, 2015).…”

“…The major theme of a Level III meta-synthesis of the literature on TIC found that in spite of the extensive research on the effects of trauma on physical and mental health, there is limited research and implementation of TIC within diverse settings (Reevs, 2015). A Level III qualitative study on a unique TIC model for women in sober living housing demonstrated the significant role of incorporating TIC in the recovery process through provision of resources, and provision of tools to aid in daily living (Edwards et al, 2017).…”

Violence against children in Latin America and Caribbean countries: a comprehensive review of national health sector efforts in prevention and response

“…However, there is a growing body of literature on “trauma-informed care” (TIC) and the use of a “trauma-informed approach” to caring for survivors, with evidence suggesting improvements in post-traumatic symptoms and behavior problems among child survivors, patient-provider relationships [108], and broader improvements in collaboration across sectors [109, 110]. TIC is a commitment from the health care organization and all staff at all levels to reduce the risk of re-traumatizing the child when providing treatment and follow-up services [111, 112].…”