What are the barriers and enablers to trauma-informed emergency departments? A scoping review protocol

There is a high prevalence of psychological trauma among the population. Such people are more likely to have poorer health outcomes and these factors may contribute to increased use of the emergency department. There has been some attempt to implement a trauma-informed approach across public services, especially in health and social care. However, it is unclear how this concept applies to the challenging and high-demand emergency department context. The review aims to locate, examine and describe the literature on trauma-informed care in the unique and challenging healthcare delivery context that is the emergency department. The review aims to identify the barriers and enablers that may facilitate trauma-informed care in the emergency department context.

This scoping review will use the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. Systematic searches of relevant databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Knowledge Network and Web of Science) will be conducted. Empirical studies of any methodological approach, published in English between January 2001 and September 2023 will be included. The 'grey' literature will also be accessed. Two reviewers will independently screen all studies. Data will be extracted, collated and charted to summarise all the relevant methods, outcomes and key findings in the articles.

Formal ethical approval is not required. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and condensed summaries for key stakeholders in the field. The data generated will be used to inform a programme of work related to trauma-informed care.