TRAUMA-INFORMED MATERNITY SYSTEM: A SERVICE EVALUATION

Abstract

Past traumas can significantly affect a person’s mental health and maternity experiences. With this in mind we reviewed service and adopted a trauma-focused two-stage approach: offering trauma-informed care plans and mandating staff training. The intention was to equip staff to recognise and respond to trauma signs and symptoms, while enabling service users to feel more secure and in control. Feedback from staff and patients has been positive, but more research is needed to examine the impact on physical and mental health outcomes.