April 17, 2024Trauma Informed Care is an approach to care that accommodates the needs of individuals who may have experienced the many impacts of trauma.
Very frightening or distressing events can result in psychological and physiological harm. This harm is called trauma and can affect a person’s ability to cope or function from day-to-day. Based on knowledge about the impact of trauma, Trauma Informed Care helps patients feel safe, avoid re-traumatisation and be able to engage in health care.
Trauma Informed Care acknowledges that health care organisations and teams need to have a complete picture of a patient’s life situation — past and present — in order to provide effective health care.
“We know many of our patients come to us with a trauma background, although we might not always know which patients or what trauma,” said Jennifer Preston, Acting Psychology Professional Lead, NAMHS – Mental Health Division.
“What we do know is that the principles of trauma informed care can act as an important guide though the unknowns, for clinicians at all levels of experience.”
While trauma-specific treatment is offered in specialised mental health programs and services, Trauma Informed Care should be provided in all healthcare settings. At Northern Health, the principles of Trauma Informed Care strongly align with achieving “safe, positive patient experiences”.
“Adopting the values of Trauma Informed Care helps patients to engage more fully in their health care and improves long-term health outcomes,” said Dr Brooke Froud-Cummins, Director of Allied Health Psychology.
“It also shines a light on the risks of workplace stress and supports a culture of staff wellbeing.”
Northern Health’s community is particularly diverse, with a large refugee and asylum seeker population. Practicing Trauma Informed Care with all patients is crucial because it acknowledges diverse backgrounds, respects individual experiences, and avoids potential re-traumatisation. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care recommend that health services caring for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to integrate Trauma Informed Care into policy and practice, including building awareness through staff training (ACSQHC, 2021).
Introductory Trauma Informed Care training will be launched on 29 April 2024 via Northern Health’s Learning Management System (LMS) and is highly recommended for all clinical staff on a three-yearly basis.
This initiative, led by Associate Professor Jason Cirone, Chief Allied Health Officer, was developed locally by the Allied Health Psychology Education Team in collaboration with Mental Health Psychology and Transcultural and Languages Services at Northern Health. The aim of the training is to foster a safe and inclusive environment at Northern Health and promote better mental health outcomes for a diverse range of patients.
“Embracing a trauma-informed approach acknowledges the unique experiences and needs of each individual,” said Stefania Zen, Education and Engagement Manager, Transcultural and Language Services.
“Each patient brings their own story and with trauma informed care we are fostering an environment where trust, respect, and healing can thrive.”
Pictured: Brooke Froud-Cummins (Director, AH-Psychology / Principal Psychology Educator), Anastasia Pourliakas (Psychology Educator), Suchona Reza Paul (Senior Clinical Psychologist), Danielle Courtney (Clinical Neuropsychologist), Natasha Belmont (Clinical Psychology Registrar), Serene Lee Neuropsychology Registrar).
