A patient receiving trauma-informed care has their healthcare needs addressed in a way that takes into consideration any traumatic experiences the patient may have had in the past. A primary objective of trauma-informed care is to protect patients from experiencing any re-traumatization that would discourage them from seeking treatment in the future. When implemented correctly, trauma-informed care gives nurses and other medical professionals the ability to guarantee that the processes, procedures, and environments inside healthcare facilities prevent patients and employees from being subjected to further traumatic experiences.
Those in the helping professions who use the trauma-informed care model try to comprehend the full impact of traumatic experiences and create therapeutic strategies that facilitate healing. These experts conduct an internal review of their medical procedures and policies in order to enhance the quality of trauma-informed treatment that they provide. The definition of detox in california as well as its applications within an organization are both explained to newly hired employees by their employers.
Safety
While a patient is under the care of a nurse or doctor, they should feel protected. It is the nurse’s responsibility to make the patient and family members feel secure in every sense of the word. Safe healthcare environments should be established by healthcare institutions to reassure patients and their loved ones. Those who have experienced trauma and who may be triggered by sitting in close proximity to others in waiting rooms, for instance, should be given plenty of personal space.
Similarly, a healthcare facility’s façade should inspire confidence in the safety and security of its patients. Family and friends of patients need easy, close access to parking. Patients with night time appointments will feel more at ease in well-lit parking lots and corridors. Patients may feel less anxious or reluctant about entering the building if security officers are there.
Dependability and Openness
Hospitals and other medical centres must also exude openness and honesty. The ability of staff to provide care to patients may be affected by internal rules and procedures, thus it is important that they be well aware of these matters. In addition, these businesses and their staff members have a responsibility to be forthright with patients about the nature of the treatment they are receiving and the total cost of that care.
Mutual Help System
Nurses, physicians, and other medical personnel need a deep understanding of trauma and its effects on care in order to deliver trauma-informed care. Each patient may have had a terrible occurrence that prevents them from discussing their healthcare issues openly with their doctor. Instead of attempting to “cure” or “heal” a patient’s condition, experts may better meet the patient’s requirements by actively listening to the patient.
Cooperation and Assistance
Patients should be considered equal participants in the treatment planning process by nurses and other medical institutions. Patients, nurses, and medical institutions may all work together to get the job done. By working together, patients are able to take an active role in their treatment plans.
A patient who has just been diagnosed with diabetes, for instance, may work with nurses to develop a treatment strategy that considers the patient’s lifestyle. Patients may experience calmer and safety as a result of this teamwork. Trauma-informed care’s emphasis on partnership between providers and recipients means that patients may take a more active role in meeting their own medical requirements.
Empowerment, Voice and Choice
By fostering a healthcare system that aids in recovery from trauma, trauma-informed care strengthens the capacity of individuals, groups, and communities. Patients, communities, organizations, and health care providers may all find common ground in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Healthcare providers and institutions must be aware of the inherent power dynamic between them and their patients. Patients should have a say in healthcare choices in order to lessen the likelihood of further traumatization.
Differences in Cultures
Nurses, physicians, and other staff employees need to be trauma-informed in order to build successful cultural, racial, gender, and other prejudice elimination. Services that aid in determining and meeting patient requirements are one way to achieve this goal. For example, if a patient requests to see a female doctor because she feels more at ease with her gender, that should be respected. A female nurse or other medical worker should be present during patient care if a female doctor is not.
Care providers also need to take the patient’s cultural background into account. Healthcare providers and institutions should establish practices and policies that respect patients’ cultural backgrounds. The risk of re-traumatization due to insensitivity to cultural, racial, gender, or other prejudices is a crucial consideration when designing a system of trauma-informed treatment. Respect for people’s independence is essential.