TIPC policy summary
Paving the way: Trauma-informed preventative care at The Royal Children's Hospital
Our policy summary describes what trauma-informed preventative care (TIPC) is, how it could be applied to the RCH, and is a call to action for senior leadership to adopt a hospital-wide trauma-informed approach.
You can read the policy summary here.
Currently, the RCH has a unique opportunity to pave the way in creating and implementing a paediatric-focused TIPC framework that enables us to become one of the first trauma-informed paediatric hospitals in Australia.
What is trauma?
Trauma has been understood within the healthcare system as physical trauma.
However, we now recognise the importance of psychological and emotional trauma as health and wellbeing issues that demand proactive prevention efforts for children, young people, families/carers, and staff.
Trauma is defined as, “an event, series of events, or set of circumstances an individual experiences as physically or emotionally harmful that can have lasting adverse effects on the person’s functioning and mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual wellbeing”.
What is Trauma-informed preventative care?
Trauma-informed preventative care (TIPC) integrates the principles of trauma-informed care with a focus on prevention. TIPC recognises that while medical care can involve distressing experiences, a universal, proactive, and preventative psychosocial approach can minimise harm.
TIPC draws upon a universal precautions strategy that acknowledges the prevalence and impacts of trauma, aiming to reduce the potential for distress. TIPC aligns with the RCH vision for “a world where all kids thrive”.
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.