Trauma-Informed Training: Continuing Education for Healthcare Providers
As healthcare providers, our primary objective is to provide comprehensive care to patients, understanding their physical and mental aspects as interconnected systems. A significant component frequently overlooked in traditional healthcare, […]
As healthcare providers, our primary objective is to provide comprehensive care to patients, understanding their physical and mental aspects as interconnected systems. A significant component frequently overlooked in traditional healthcare, yet incredibly significant, is the impact of trauma. Thus, trauma-informed training becomes imperative for creating holistic care strategies.
Trauma impacts nearly everyone at some point throughout their lives. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with adverse effects on the individual’s functionality, mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.
Physical and Mental Impact of Trauma
Victims of trauma may present in the healthcare setting with an assortment of physical symptoms; these often mask underlying emotional disturbances caused by traumatic experiences. These events may lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction, highlighting the fundamental correlation between physical and mental health for trauma patients.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) is a framework used for human service delivery and is predictive of various health outcomes. It’s an approach that acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma and advocates for awareness of the path to recovery. It restructures traditional healthcare approaches by understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma.
SAMHSA outlines six core principles to a trauma-informed approach:
1. Safety
2. Trustworthiness and Transparency
3. Peer support
4. Collaboration and mutuality
5. Empowerment, voice and choice
6. Understanding cultural, historical, and gender issues
The Need for Trauma-Informed Training
With such a significant impact of trauma on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing, it’s incumbent upon us as healthcare providers to understand and incorporate trauma-informed care into our practices. Continuing education and training in trauma-informed approaches can ensure providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to appropriately meet their patients’ needs.
Trauma-informed training helps healthcare providers develop a comprehensive understanding of trauma, its impact, and the necessary skills to work effectively and sensitively with trauma survivors. Additionally, it promotes conditions for staff that mirror those we aim to provide patients: safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and understanding.
The Role of Continuing Education
Continuing Education (CE) is a valuable avenue through which healthcare providers can pursue trauma-informed training. Various professional organizations, universities, and training institutions offer continuing education units (CEUs) focusing on trauma-informed care, often delivering online modules that can be completed at the provider’s convenience.
CEUs ensure a thorough grounding – from historical and societal context to ethical considerations – and emphasize upon practical application, promoting understanding of the principles of trauma-informed care, and honing the skills needed to engage with trauma survivors effectively.
Healing the Wounds of Trauma: An in-depth conversation with Gabor Maté and Bruce Perry
Get this must-see FREE video from Gabor’s in-depth workshop based on his latest book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, & Healing in a Toxic Culture. For a limited time, you can get unlimited, on-demand access to the complete workshop for only $49.99 ($100 savings!).
Where to Begin: Recommendations for Providers
As healthcare providers stepping into the arena of trauma-informed care, you may wonder where to begin. The following steps can help you get started:
- Research and select a reputable continuing education provider offering trauma-informed care training. Check for accreditation to ensure the training will count towards your required CEUs.
- Begin training with an open mind. Prepare to allow this training to stir up emotions and challenge pre-existing notions.
- Gradually integrate what you learn into your practice. Be patient with yourself and those around you.
- Follow up with additional courses and training. Continuous learning keeps you up-to-date with research and effective intervention techniques.
- Finally, create a trauma-informed environment for everyone – patients and staff. A trauma-informed setting provides safety, trustworthiness, flexibility, and empowerment.
In conclusion, trauma-informed training offers immense potential in modifying healthcare provision, optimizing understanding, and enhancing the care and recovery of trauma survivors. By being open to learning and applying trauma-informed principles, we can significantly alter the face of patient care, fostering an environment that empowers not only our patients but also ourselves as providers.
As healthcare professionals, we have it within our power and our responsibility to be informed, be understanding, be supportive, and be ready to effect change. Step into trauma-informed training – for your patients, for yourself, for a healthier, effective, and compassionate healthcare sector.
Photo by Jaime Lopes on Unsplash
Written by AI & Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist: Yoendry Torres, Psy.D.
Disclaimer: Please note that some blog posts may contain affiliate links and Sana Network will earn a commission if you purchase through those links at no additional cost to you. We use all of the products listed and recommend them because they are companies or products that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Our website is supported by our users.
