Knowledge, attitudes and practices of mental health professionals regarding trauma-informed care

Abstract

Trauma-informed care is a model aimed at developing more conscious, sensitive and holistic approaches for trauma survivors. This study examined the knowledge, skills and attitudes of mental health professionals, including nurses, physicians and psychologists, regarding trauma-informed care. A cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method were used, with a sample consisting of 197 healthcare professionals. Data were collected through an online survey using the Trauma-Informed Care Scale and the Trauma Intervention Skills Scale. Analyses were conducted using Spearman correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results revealed that more than half of the participants (55.3%) were unaware of the concept of trauma-informed care, and only 14.2% felt competent in presenting this care model. Gender, age and education level did not significantly affect Trauma-informed care scores (p > 0.05); however, participants who had received education on trauma-informed care during their years of education scored higher (p < 0.05). In the grouping of participants according to their professions, practitioners/family physicians had a statistically significantly lower score on the Trauma-Informed Care Scale than nurses, psychologists and social workers in the total score, and psychological counsellors scored lower than nurses. The findings indicate that while mental health professionals possess knowledge about trauma but many lack an understanding of trauma-informed care, and few feel competent in applying trauma-informed care. To enhance the capacity for trauma-informed care, integrating it into undergraduate curricula and reflecting it in healthcare settings is essential.