The Role of Nursing in Implementing Trauma-Informed Care Approaches for Survivors of Abuse in Emergency Department Settings: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Background: Trauma exposure is prevalent in emergency departments (EDs), impacting both patients and healthcare providers. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a framework designed to mitigate re-traumatization and foster resilience among trauma survivors, yet its implementation in EDs remains limited despite the high incidence of trauma-related cases.

Methods: This review systematically examined peer-reviewed literature on TIC interventions in emergency medicine. A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL, using keywords related to trauma-informed care, emergency department practices, and the clinical environment. The review aimed to identify existing TIC interventions, their benefits for patients and healthcare providers, and gaps in current research.

Results: The analysis identified ten relevant studies demonstrating the operationalization of TIC in ED settings. Interventions primarily focused on clinician education and procedural adjustments to address the needs of marginalized patient populations. Findings indicated that TIC approaches improved patient care quality, enhanced clinician confidence, and facilitated better follow-up rates for outpatient referrals. However, the studies highlighted significant gaps, including the lack of standardized TIC practices and insufficient outcome data to support broader implementation.

Conclusion: The findings underscore the need for further research to develop and evaluate trauma-informed care models in emergency departments. By adopting TIC principles, EDs can transform into healing environments that support both patients and healthcare professionals. Enhanced focus on educational initiatives and universal precautions in TIC will be essential for addressing the complex needs of trauma survivors in emergency settings.