Twelve tips for implementing trigger or content warnings in healthcare professions education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Social Learning Theory
• Psychology

Background:

• Students increasingly expect trigger warnings in educational settings.
• Trigger warnings are used to notify about sensitive content, aiding preparation and distress avoidance.
• Their relevance is high in healthcare education due to frequent exposure to sensitive topics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the evidence regarding trigger warnings in social learning contexts.
• To provide practical tips for using trigger warnings in healthcare education.
• To balance inclusivity, learner/educator well-being, and professional preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on trigger warnings and their application in education.
• Analysis of trigger warnings' role in inclusive education and trauma awareness.
• Consideration of preparedness for professional practice in healthcare settings.

Main Results:

• Trigger warnings can support inclusive education and enhance trauma awareness.
• Balancing inclusivity with professional preparedness and well-being is crucial.
• Guidance is provided for implementing trigger warnings in healthcare classrooms.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare educators should consider trigger warnings to foster inclusivity and well-being.
• Implementation requires careful consideration of professional practice standards.
• These tips aim to guide educators in navigating trigger warning discussions effectively.