Trauma Inquiry Tip Sheet
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Trauma-Informed Care Basics
Definition of Trauma (SAMHSA, 2024):
- Trauma is an event or series of events perceived as physically/emotionally harmful or life-threatening, with lasting adverse effects on mental, physical, and social well-being.
Key Principles:
- Routine screening for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Sexual Violence (SV) during pregnancy (each trimester and postpartum).
- Provide trauma-informed care by integrating sensitivity and responsiveness to patient experiences.
Responding to Trauma Disclosures
What Survivors Want:
- To be asked and understood without judgment.
- Clear information on next steps and available resources.
- Connection with the clinician.
- Control over the disclosure process and treatment plan.
Helpful Responses:
- Validate: “I appreciate you sharing this with me.”
- Normalize: “Many people find it difficult to talk about these experiences.”
- Acknowledge: “It’s understandable that this is hard.”
- Offer Resources: Provide psychoeducation, counseling options, and coping plans.
Unhelpful Responses:
- Intrusive questions.
- Minimizing experiences (e.g., “That’s all in the past”).
- Showing shock or pity.
Framing Trauma-Informed Conversations
How to Introduce the Topic:
- “We ask these questions to better meet your needs and tailor care.”
- Focus on current impact rather than past details.
Grounding Techniques for Dysregulation:
- Deep breathing exercises.
- Gentle reorientation to the present.
- If dissociation occurs, stop and focus on grounding.
Treatment Planning Considerations
- Assess current impact and symptom severity.
- Refer to higher-level care if PTSD symptoms are clinically significant.
- Determine if they prefer coping strategies or direct trauma processing.
Treatment Options:
- Brief therapy focused on coping/grounding.
- Referral for long-term therapy if no prior trauma work.
Documentation Guidelines
Key Documentation Points:
- Seek patient consent before recording trauma history. Do not include details unless at patient’s request.
- Focus on:
- Specific activators.
- Requested accommodations (e.g., sensitive exams).
- Plans for future discussions.
- Ensure transparency regarding chart access.
Support & Referrals
When Trauma is Disclosed:
- Offer in-clinic counseling or external referrals.
- Introduce trauma-informed care options like special care plans for birthing.
- Collaborate on coping strategies for triggers during pregnancy and postpartum.