Trauma-informed care is based on a framework that recognizes people’s lived experiences can affect how they engage with the health care system. It shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” A trauma-informed approach to care acknowledges that health care organizations and care teams need to have a full understanding of a patient’s life situation in order to provide effective health care services. The Trauma-Informed Care toolkit provides curated tools and resources to help organizations and health professionals apply trauma-informed principles in the care of people living with a serious illness.
What’s in the Toolkit
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
These articles and resources provide an overview of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), the negative effect they can have on one’s health, and how trauma-informed care can promote positive outcomes.
An Interview with Dr. Edward Machtinger: Lessons of Trauma-Informed Care
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An expert provides background on trauma-informed care, explains the markers of trauma, and provides guidance on screening.
Trauma-Informed Care: Why It’s Important and How to Implement It into Practice
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In this on-demand webinar, presenters provide an introductory training in Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), equipping clinicians with new, relevant tools to implement into their practice.
CDC’s Resource Hub for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares resources around risk factors and prevention strategies to avoid ACEs and help all children reach their full potential.
A seminal article highlighting the relationship between exposure to abuse or household dysfunction during childhood and adult health status. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1998.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Premature Mortality
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A study demonstrating association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and increased risk of premature death during adulthood. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2009.
Watch, listen, and read about using a trauma-informed care approach for self-care; and recommended clinical assessment tools to use in practice.
Lifetime Trauma and Its Association with Physical and Psychosocial Health
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This JAGS study highlights the correlation between lifetime traumatic events and physical and psychosocial health; plus the benefits of a trauma-informed approach to care.
Surviving and Thriving in the Emergency Department
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How to move beyond surviving to thriving by incorporating the meaningful practice of trauma-informed care. Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2021.
Resilience Roadmap: A Podcast for Nurses
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The benefits of using a trauma-informed approach to self-care and how to apply them. Episode 3: Trauma – Informed Self Care Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 2021.
A manual to help behavioral health professionals understand the impact of trauma on those who experience it. “Trauma-Informed Care in Behavioral Health Services” Chapter 2, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, 2014.
The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire is a validated tool used by trained providers to measure the impact of childhood abuse and neglect on health and wellbeing. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 1998.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Civilians (PCL-C)
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Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this checklist has been adapted for use in the general population. National Center for PTSD, 2003.
Addressing Health Equity through Trauma-Informed Practice
Articles that highlight the relationship between racism and trauma; and strategies to incorporate a focus on racial equity to enhance trauma-informed care efforts.
The Trauma of Racism
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How racial discrimination can impact one’s overall health and wellbeing. Psychology Today, 2020.
Incorporating Racial Equity into Trauma-Informed Care
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Considerations for health systems and provider practices to enhance trauma-informed care approaches and promote racial justice. Center for Health Care Strategies, 2021.
Practice Considerations for Trauma-Informed Care at End of Life
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This article reviews research on trauma at end of life, provides an overview of trauma-informed principles, and explores possibilities for applying trauma-informed care through an illustrative case study of a patient at end of life. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life and Palliative Care, 2020.
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