The World Health Organisation estimates that 70% of adults will experience trauma within their lifetime. However, there are certain demographics that are more likely to experience trauma. This includes people who access mental health and public services, health and social care staff, emergency service personnel and people affected by inequality.
Trauma-informed care refers to an approach that has been adopted in inpatient care for trauma patients. It involves offering a variety of trauma-specific support and interventions to create an environment that feels safe and open for individuals to heal from their experiences.
Trained staff that have confidence to respond with empathy and compassion so that trauma survivors can build trusting relationships are also key. The framework of this approach aims to acknowledge, understand and respond to the impact that trauma has on an individual’s emotional and mental wellbeing.
The 4 R’s of trauma-informed care provide a practical framework for staff to create the best possible safe and healing environment for the people they support. By enforcing the following principles, this can enhance both awareness and treatment strategies.
The first part of this framework is for mental health professionals to have a basic realisation of trauma and its impact on the individual, their families, and communities.
This also extends to acknowledging the prevalence of historical and intergenerational trauma and the part this plays on their treatment.
A crucial stage in providing effective care is the recognition of trauma in individuals. Being observant of the more obvious, as well as subtle, signs of trauma is important as these can present themselves differently for everyone.
Symptoms can range from emotional, physical or behavioural. This step is all about recognising the unique trauma an individual is facing so that more personalised care can be provided. Creating an environment where they feel validated and understood is an important part in uncovering their trauma history.
When responding to trauma using a trauma-informed approach, it’s important to establish a safe, supportive space where supported individuals feel they will be heard and respected. In order to provide effective care, this approach requires staff to adapt to their specific needs and pace the treatment accordingly.
Resisting re-traumatisation is about preventing further harm to the individual and safeguarding them from any experiences that could trigger their trauma. The priority for this approach is to prioritise emotional safety and reduce distress.
Although the benefits of implementing trauma-informed care is difficult to measure, there is evidence that it can be effective, long-lasting and cost-saving. For the people you support, there are even more benefits that trauma-informed care can provide.
This method allows organisations to create a space they feel safe in, promoting their healing journey. This sense of safety also means individuals are more willing to open up and build trusting relationships with healthcare providers, so they can engage with their treatment.
By rewiring the dialogue to “what’s happened to you?” instead of a “what’s wrong with you?” approach, individuals feel their behaviour is understood. With this type of care, individuals feel empowered and have more autonomy, which can be a big motivator for many that lack control in their day-to-day life.
Trauma-informed care reduces the chance of re-traumatisation. By building a trusted relationship with a healthcare provider, individuals aren’t forced to relay their trauma repeatedly to different staff, as this can be triggering and lead to re-traumatisation. Incidents of re-traumatisation in healthcare settings can also make them less likely to get help in the future.
Trauma-informed care focuses on understanding emotional and psychological needs. This complements positive behavioural support (PBS) which provides the framework that is essential to managing behaviours.
Within Log my Care’s care management software, the PBS feature allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the individuals you support, set goals and create steps to success.
Trust Log my Care’s care management software to make admin easier, enhance communication, and empower your carers. Book a demo and see how our platform can benefit you.