A Student-Led Educational Activity on Trauma Informed Care: Reflections and Recommendations

Objective: The prevalence of trauma exposure is remarkably high globally. In Canada, for example, it is estimated that over 75% of the national population have experienced a traumatic event during their lifetime. While exposure to trauma is linked with a number of poor health-related problems, the teaching of trauma informed care (TIC) principles across Canadian medical schools is uncertain, and many primary care providers (PCP) feel underprepared to have discussions regarding trauma with their patient. The purpose of this report is to promote the teaching and better knowledge of TIC among health professional learners. Method: A team of medical and health sciences students at a Canadian university hosted a virtual, interdisciplinary and educational Trauma Informed Care Conference (TICC) that was targeted toward health care learners using an interactive panel of interdisciplinary experts. Results: A total of 107 participants attended the TICC. Select lectures were presented to improve participants' knowledge of TIC through a myriad of lenses, including historical, cultural, developmental/perinatal, intergenerational, and system-oriented sources. TIC was presented as promoting trauma awareness, trust, safety, collaboration, autonomy, and a strengths-based approach to care. Conclusions: We advocate for better awareness of TIC, the associated trauma theories, and implementation of the core values and principles of TIC in the training of health professionals.

Automated summary

The purpose of this report is to promote the teaching and better knowledge of trauma informed care (TIC) among health professional learners. A virtual conference was organized to provide participants with lectures on various aspects of TIC, including historical, cultural, developmental/perinatal, intergenerational, and system-oriented sources. The report advocates for increased awareness and implementation of TIC principles in the training of health professionals.