Development of a Trauma-Informed Care Training Program for Emergency Department Health Care Providers

Area of Science:

• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Care
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Trauma significantly impacts individual health and increases healthcare utilization, especially in emergency departments (EDs).
• The stressful ED environment can exacerbate trauma reactions in patients, families, and staff.
• Implementing trauma-informed care (TIC) in EDs is crucial but remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a tailored trauma-informed care training program for emergency department healthcare professionals.
• To address the need for effective TIC implementation in high-stress environments.
• To enhance ED providers' capacity to manage trauma-related challenges.

Main Methods:

• A two-stage, quasi-mixed sequential study design was employed.
• Stage 1 involved a scoping review and qualitative needs assessment with ED nurses and care recipients.
• Stage 2 focused on content validation by subject matter experts.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis identified key themes for training program development.
• The Triple TICs program was designed based on review and qualitative findings.
• Experts confirmed strong content validity (CVIs=1.0) and recommended a blended learning format.

Conclusions:

• The Triple TICs program offers a validated framework for trauma-informed care training in EDs.
• This training supports trauma-sensitive practices and enhances staff awareness.
• The program promotes the creation of safe and empathetic care environments for all.