Trauma-informed Care Training Among Non-psychiatric Adult Inpatient Hospitals: A Scoping Review

Research

Objectives: To investigate the impact of trauma-informed care training on staff working in non-psychiatric adult inpatient hospital settings.

Data Sources: Articles were sourced from the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Time was not restricted. Search queries utilized in each database consisted of:

1. "trauma-informed care" AND (training OR education) AND (hospital OR inpatient)
2. trauma-informed AND (education OR training) AND "healthcare workers"
3. trauma-informed AND (occupational therapist OR physical therapist)
4. trauma-informed AND healthcare providers
5. trauma-informed AND (acute care OR hospital)

Constraints: English language

Study Selection: Studies were excluded if they only provided training to students or staff who work in pediatric or psychiatric settings. Non-peer reviewed publications and conference abstracts were excluded.
Two authors independently sorted the studies using the computer program Covidence and came to a consensus for the inclusion of studies. Out of 1402 studies screened, 18 were assessed for eligibility. Three studies were included in this scoping review. Two studies have been completed and one study reports preliminary data.

Data Extraction

The two authors of this scoping review independently reviewed and charted the data based on an abstraction tool for this study. Characteristics on the abstraction tool were developed through collaboration of both reviewers. After data was independently charted, reviewers compared charts and discussed differences to reach consensus.

Data Synthesis
All three studies utilized a quasi-experimental pre-posttest design without a control group. All three studies utilized self-reported measures to evaluate participant growth within trauma-informed care. Although each study utilized a different measure, each one reflected themes of knowledge of trauma, confidence in recognizing and adapting to histories of trauma, and competency in providing trauma-informed care as a healthcare provider. Large variation existed in the training content and frequency/duration. Studies utilized various outcome variables. All three studies noted statistically significant improvement in the knowledge, comfort, and competence in trauma-informed care and practice among their participants.

Conclusions: Multidisciplinary trauma-informed care training in inpatient hospitals may increase knowledge and competency in trauma-informed practice. More research is warranted in non-psychiatric adult inpatient hospitals. Future researchers should address limitations within professional roles, such as physicians and residents having predictable participation times.