Trauma informed care, also referred to as TIC, is a medical framework that takes into consideration a patient’s history in a bid to positively and constructively work around any trauma or violence experienced in their past.
Negative experiences have negative consequences
There is no denying that negative life events or prolonged periods of instability have lasting physical and psychological effects. Just as our physical bodies are affected by strenuous activities, our brains can suffer permanently from hostile situations. This is where trauma informed practice training from providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/trauma-informed-practice-training comes in.
Introducing trauma informed practices
In the same way as treating an injury to the body, healthcare professionals can work towards healing internal trauma using a number of researched practices. Rather than simply responding to visible or outwardly displayed symptoms, medics can provide considered care and support tailored to someone’s personal history and present emotional state. Even if a patient is not projecting their trauma, this could be a sign they are masking the trauma.
How does it work?
To adopt a trauma informed approach, professionals must first seek to understand the patient’s trauma and place a strong emphasis on this at every step of the care process, from initial consultation to discharge and ongoing support. In essence, the processes taken should be embedded in the roots of the trauma, pulling information from the individual’s previous interactions with the health or social care systems and identifying any unreported or undetected trauma. Medics must prioritise personal well-being in all their approaches, even if this means taking an indirect route or round-about way of treating the core issue.
Ultimately, all involved want a positive outcome, which means working towards an outcome-based approach to care. This is why trauma informed practices can be described as more supportive and person-centred than simply seeking to respond to symptoms with no background information or understanding of the patient’s triggers and behaviours. Trauma informed care lends its success to connecting teams and clinicians, ensuring consistent, considered, and continued support for those who need it.
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