Development of a trauma-informed care framework for a local student outreach clinic: A doctoral capstone experience and project

Abstract

Majority of the world’s population has experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. Trauma-informed care (TIC) framework was created for people to recognize trauma and the impact it has on the way the show up in the world. TIC framework uses safe principles and practices for those that have experienced a traumatic event in order not to retraumatized them. The doctoral capstone site is a student-run clinic which most volunteers have not had experience with TIC framework. TIC framework is an evidence-based approach that helps rapport and safety for everyone. The purpose of this capstone project was to educate student volunteers on TIC framework to bridge the gap of using a TIC approach at the clinic and prevent retraumatization. For the education materials, ten modules were created and implemented in the clinic. Data was collected and analyzed before and after the educational materials. Participants showed increased understanding and confidence with using TIC approach. Participants expressed interest in wanting to implement TIC framework into their practice after the project. These project results indicated a further investigation into becoming a trauma-informed organization.