Evaluating trauma awareness in health care: Insights from the AAST and Trauma Prevention Coalition Survey.

Abstract

Background: Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a framework designed to understand and address the impacts of trauma, ensuring physical, psychological, and emotional safety for all involved. It seeks to prevent retraumatization and promote a sense of control and empowerment across diverse populations.

Method: This Trauma Prevention Coalition survey study assessed TIC implementation among members from 13 of the 16 participating organizations, focusing on prevalence, awareness, and training gaps.

Results: Out of 948 participants, 91% (n = 861) were affiliated with trauma centers. In adult trauma centers: 19.3% were from Level I, 9.4% from Level II, 5.4% from Level III, 3.1% from Level IV, and 1.2% from Level V. In addition, 1.2% were from nonadult trauma centers, and 2.5% worked in centers serving both adult and pediatric patients. In pediatric centers: 18.6% were from Level I, 13.0% from Level II, 1% from Level III, and 67.0% from nonpediatric centers. Trauma-informed care principles were integrated into the core values of 35.5% of trauma centers, while 64.5% had not adopted them. Only 17.0% had TIC training plans, with 57.7% lacking or unaware of such plans. Bivariate regression analysis indicated that TIC integration decreased for Level II, Level IV, and nontrauma centers compared with Level I adult trauma centers, but increased for Level III. In pediatric centers, TIC integration decreased for Level II, Level III, Level IV, and nontrauma centers compared with Level I. Pediatric trauma centers showed a higher TIC integration rate (71.6%) compared with adult centers (39.4%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: TIC adoption varies significantly across trauma center levels, with higher prevalence in pediatric and Level I centers. The study underscores the need for comprehensive TIC training within trauma care systems.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic/care management; Level III.