trauma-informed care
A healthcare approach that recognizes and responds to the impact of traumatic stress on patients and providers.
Full Definition
Trauma-informed care is a comprehensive healthcare approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and integrates knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices. In the context of trauma surgery, this approach goes beyond treating physical injuries to address the psychological and emotional impacts of traumatic events on patients, families, and healthcare providers. Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility. This approach recognizes that trauma patients may have previous traumatic experiences that affect their response to medical care and that the acute trauma experience itself can be psychologically devastating.
Usage
Usage note: Always hyphenate 'trauma-informed' when used as a compound adjective. Distinguish from 'trauma care' which refers to medical treatment of injuries.
In Context
- "The trauma center implemented trauma-informed care protocols to address both physical and psychological needs of patients." — Hospital policy document
- "Trauma-informed care training helps staff recognize signs of psychological distress in trauma patients and families." — Staff education material