Developing and evaluating a trauma informed education program

Why do we need this project?

Research conducted at The Royal Children’s Hospital indicates a strong need for brief and interactive staff training in psychosocial and trauma informed care in order to provide the most appropriate and effective care to our patients and their families.

What we know, is staff require more confidence and competence in psychosocial assessment resulting in a trauma informed approach. Organisational mapping suggests a demand for consistent, universal training in trauma informed preventive care (TIPC) to improve patient outcomes, patient, family and staff experiences, and ultimately decrease the burden on the organisation.

Further research shows psychological trauma in healthcare is associated with reduced pain thresholds for patients, increased clinical interventions and medical noncompliance.

Research question: What is the effectiveness of a brief, TIPC educational intervention on staff knowledge, opinions, and practices?

Study sites and expected duration

The study is expected to conclude in 2024. This is subject to feasibility in the setting of COVID-19 restriction measures and changes to protocol.

Two cycles of intervention implementation will be carried out, first in Koala (Cardiology) and then the Emergency Department.

Our objectives are to evaluate:

change in staff knowledge of trauma-informed care following TIPC Foundational Training
change in staff opinions of trauma-informed care following TIPC Foundational Training
change in staff self-rated competence in trauma-informed care following TIPC Foundational Training
change in staff perceptions of barriers regarding the implementation of trauma-informed care following TIPC Foundational Training

Acknowledgement of Country

At Mental Health Central we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live, gather and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

We acknowledge all people with a lived or living experience of mental ill-health and recovery. At the Campus, we particularly acknowledge children, young people, families, carers, and supporters. We recognise their vital contribution and value the courage of those who share this unique perspective for the purpose of learning and growing together to achieve better outcomes for the Campus, staff, sector, and all people of lived experience.

Proudly supported by the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation