A student-led educational activity on trauma informed care: Reflections and recommendations

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• High global prevalence of trauma exposure necessitates improved healthcare provider preparedness.
• Over 75% of Canadians have experienced trauma, yet medical school curricula on trauma-informed care (TIC) are uncertain.
• Primary care providers (PCPs) often feel underprepared to discuss trauma with patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To promote the teaching and enhance knowledge of trauma-informed care (TIC) principles among health professional learners.
• To address the gap in TIC education within Canadian medical schools.
• To equip future healthcare providers with essential skills for trauma-informed practice.

Main Methods:

• A virtual, interdisciplinary Trauma Informed Care Conference (TICC) was organized by health sciences students.
• The conference targeted health care learners and featured an interactive panel of interdisciplinary experts.
• Educational sessions covered historical, cultural, developmental, intergenerational, and system-oriented perspectives on TIC.

Main Results:

• 107 participants attended the Trauma Informed Care Conference (TICC).
• Presentations improved participants' understanding of TIC from diverse viewpoints.
• TIC was defined as promoting trauma awareness, trust, safety, collaboration, autonomy, and a strengths-based approach.

Conclusions:

• Advocating for increased awareness and understanding of trauma theories and TIC principles in health professional training.
• Emphasizing the importance of integrating TIC into the core curriculum for all health disciplines.
• Promoting a shift towards trauma-informed practices to improve patient care and outcomes.