Trauma-Informed Care through the Lens of Intersectionality

Abstract

Currently, trauma-informed care research primarily focuses on treating children or survivors of childhood trauma. There is limited evidence on utilizing trauma-informed care for adult traumatic injury patients. Rehabilitative therapists including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech language pathologists typically care for adult traumatic injury patients in their most acute stages of injury. The rehabilitative therapists work with patients in their most intimate moments and challenge them to achieve independence in a variety of daily tasks. A local federally qualified level 1 trauma center was the site of the doctoral capstone experience. Over the course of fourteen weeks, the site received three educational presentations on trauma-informed care through the framework of intersectionality (Crenshaw, 2013). Pre and posttest surveys were distributed before and after each presentation to gauge an increase in trauma-informed knowledge. Results showed a statistically significant increase in scores across all three educational presentations (p<0.001). Most participants rated the doctoral capstone project as “extremely helpful” and made goals to include trauma informed care into their clinical practice. Throughout the process the doctoral capstone student worked alongside the rehabilitation team under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists, to advocate for trauma-informed practice while working with a diverse patient population. This was done to ensure implementation of content coved in each educational presentation. At the end of the experience, a plan was made to ensure continued sustainability efforts.