Adopting a Trauma-Informed Framework in Clinical Practice

Trauma, including both historical adversity and acute injury, is highly prevalent in the general population. Over 50% of adults report adverse childhood experiences, and surgical patients frequently present with unaddressed psychological distress, which is significantly compounded by maxillofacial injuries and the potentially triggering nature of the care environment. Standard biomedical training typically lacks the necessary competencies for diagnosing, preventing, and managing these complex psychosocial needs. This review proposes and details a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for integrating trauma-informed care into practice to prevent patient retraumatization and improve long-term outcomes.