Date
7-22-2025
Department
School of Nursing
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Keywords
trauma, trauma-informed care, trauma-informed practice, healthcare providers, clinic, education.
Disciplines
Nursing
Recommended Citation
Azu, Ngozi, "The Impact of Trauma-Informed Care Education on Healthcare Providers and Staff in an Outpatient Clinic: A Holistic Approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" (2025). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 7231.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/7231
Abstract
Trauma is an emotional response that an individual may experience due to exposure to an event beyond their ability to manage. Trauma-informed care (TIC) is essential in health care for creating a supportive and safe atmosphere for individuals with a trauma history, but many health providers and staff lack proper training in TIC. The purpose of this project was to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive education program focused on TIC for health care providers and staff in an outpatient clinic setting. A quasi-experimental methodology and the Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice were used. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the education pre-test and post-test, a confidence survey for staff and providers conducted before and after education, and post-education and post-implementation screenings. Thirteen staff members participated, including physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, a practice manager, a registered nurse, medical assistants, and the administrator. All participants completed the pre- and post-education tests, as well as the pre- and posteducation and post-implementation confidence surveys. Results showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge after the TIC education. The staff’s and providers’ confidence in caring for patients with trauma history also increased. There was also a slight increase in confidence scores between the post-education and postimplementation periods. The proportion of patients screened for trauma rose from 0% before TIC education to 78.59% after implementation. Importantly, these improvements were achieved in a cost-effective manner, demonstrating that TIC education can be an affordable means of enhancing service delivery in an outpatient clinic. Furthermore, incorporating TIC concepts into organizational policies and procedures can promote a trauma-sensitive environment.
