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Trauma Informed Care

Why: To reduce the risk of re-traumatization, provide the best care, and empower your patient

How: Provide a safe environment, make decisions with, not for, your patient, and empower your patient

The Impact of Trauma

Trauma increases the risk of chronic health conditions, both mental and physical, and health-risk behaviors. Traumatic events affect one’s neurobiology and can lead to cognitive, social, and emotional impairment. The ACE Study showed that the more ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) a person has, the more likely they are to struggle with heart disease, diabetes, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and early death.

 

Trauma also impacts a person’s relationships. Survivors of trauma feel unsafe, betrayed, and/or have difficulty trusting others. This can lead to heightened emotions, such as aggression or anger, or make a person feel ashamed, numb, or isolated. Trauma can have a negative effect on how a person interacts with their healthcare provider.

Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

Safety

Provide a safe space, both physically and emotionally, for your patients. Respect your patient’s privacy.

Choice

Make it clear that your patient has rights and choices and that they are in control of their care.

Collaboration

Work together with your patient to make decisions. Do not make decisions for your patient, but with your patient.

 

Safety

Provide a safe space, both physically and emotionally, for your patients. Respect your patient’s privacy.

Safety

Provide a safe space, both physically and emotionally, for your patients. Respect your patient’s privacy.

What: Provide the best care by understanding the multi-level impact that trauma has on an individual

This website is funded in part through a grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.  Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided.

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