Development of a trauma-informed care resource for emergency nurses caring for people with mental illness

Bellemare, Maude (2023) Development of a trauma-informed care resource for emergency nurses caring for people with mental illness. Practicum Report. Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Background: Traumatic experiences significantly affect the mental and physical health of people with mental illness (PWMI), placing a substantial burden on the healthcare system. Emergency visits for these individuals come with the potential for additional harm, including re-traumatization, which can be mitigated through the adoption of a trauma-informed care (TIC) approach. TIC practices emphasize the safety of PWMI by acknowledging the effects of trauma on health and behaviors, by avoiding re-traumatization, and by creating opportunities for empowerment. However, there is a lack of emergency-specific TIC resources and documented implementation of this approach within emergency departments. Purpose: To develop a TIC educational resource for emergency nurses who care for PWMI at the qathet General Hospital. Methods: A comprehensive literature review, an environmental scan, and consultations were utilized to inform the development of a TIC educational resource. Results: The literature review emphasized the effectiveness of short, interactive, in-person TIC education as beneficial in promoting the use of TIC. The environmental scan guided content and delivery decisions, while consultations identified emergency nurses' perceptions, TIC awareness, and educational needs. Conclusion: Two TIC resources were developed for emergency nurses who care for PWMI. The first resource takes the form of a self-learning module tailored for nurses, while the second serves as a comprehensive guide for facilitators tasked with delivering the program's content. A plan to implement the TIC resources at the qathet General Hospital will be established.

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