Understanding Trauma-Informed Care Across Settings: A Contemporary Definition, Values, Model, and Framework From an...

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Psychology

Background:

• Trauma-informed care (TIC) has evolved with numerous models and frameworks.
• A lack of consistent definition and understanding of TIC persists across various settings.
• Existing frameworks often lack integration, hindering widespread application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative review to identify existing TIC models and frameworks.
• To synthesize common values, components, and principles of TIC.
• To inform a contemporary understanding and provide an integrated framework for TIC.

Main Methods:

• Integrative review utilizing rapid review methodology.
• Concept and content analysis of 288 academic and grey literature sources.
• Thematic synthesis to identify commonalities and differences in TIC approaches.

Main Results:

• Identified 10 core values, 10 principles, and 28 components of TIC.
• Foundational components include understanding trauma, safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, trauma recovery, emotional management, and a whole-of-organization approach.
• Proposed an integrated definition, conceptual model, and framework for TIC.

Conclusions:

• The proposed integrated model and framework offer a contemporary understanding of TIC.
• This synthesis has potential utility for implementing TIC, especially in new settings.
• Informs future research, policy development, and practice for effective TIC application.