What are the most important considerations when working with patients who have experienced trauma?

To provide good medical care to patients that have experienced trauma you need to start by trying to understand what this means. Seek out resources and formal training around trauma-informed approaches. Another good idea is to reach out to Peak Bodies or advocates for advice or further guidance. As a medical professional, you also need to understand the inherent unease, mistrust and power imbalance many people feel when seeking medical care. I would also suggest seeking out training around intersectionality as people who have experienced trauma, particularly medical trauma are much more likely to come from marginalised communities.

Before anything else, it's crucial to grasp the fundamentals of trauma-informed care. This means recognizing the widespread impact of trauma, understanding the signs and symptoms, and creating an environment that promotes safety, trust, and empowerment. Imagine you have a friend who's feeling really scared after a scary movie. You wouldn't keep showing them scary scenes, right? You'd understand their fear and try to make them feel safe instead.

Patients who have experienced trauma will often have multi-layered medical needs as they are often reluctant to seek care due to a lack of trust in medical professionals. The best way to ensure you address these needs is to view the patient holistically, take the time to actively listen to your patient, keep an open mind. Listening is the most underrated skill a medical professional can have - this is a particularly salient point for male doctors to remember as statistics show women and gender diverse people experience worse medical outcomes cause they are not listened to and therefore their needs are not met. This can often have extremely serious consequences.

Every individual's experience with trauma is unique, so it's essential to assess their specific needs. This involves asking thoughtful questions, actively listening, and being sensitive to their responses. Once you understand their needs, you can tailor your approach to provide appropriate support and resources. Think of it like putting together a puzzle. Each person's pieces fit together differently, and you need to figure out how to help them complete the picture.

Very important to describe where you are going with a slow soft voice using simple language which provides felt experience of safety before stepping into doing.

In my experience, when a doctor is empathetic, takes the time to actively listen to me and understand my needs I am much more likely to come away feeling like I've been appropriately cared for. When dealing with someone who's been through a traumatic experience be sensitive to what they're telling you, if they're sensitive to stimuli like touch, ask for permission before touching them and explain why you're doing it. Depending on the person, it may make them feel more comfortable if they can bring a support person into the room.

Communication is key, but it's not just about what you say—it's about how you say it. Approach conversations with empathy and respect, acknowledging the person's feelings and experiences without judgment. Use gentle language, validate their emotions, and offer reassurance whenever possible. Picture yourself comforting a friend who's feeling sad. You wouldn't brush off their feelings or tell them to "get over it," right? You'd listen, offer hugs, and let them know you're there for them.

You have to put the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others - it's an old cliche, but it's true. As a medical professional, you're vulnerable to fatigue and burn out, particularly if you've been dealing with a traumatised patient. Seek help for yourself, talk to a psychologist or if your workplace offers it an employee assistance program. You can also call support services like beyond blue. It's also advisable to draw your close circle of friends and family in by letting them know how you're feeling. Once you have support you're much more likely to recover more quickly.

Supporting individuals who have experienced trauma can be emotionally demanding, so it's essential to prioritize your own well-being too. Practice self-care regularly, whether it's through exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Additionally, don't hesitate to seek support from colleagues, supervisors, or mental health professionals when needed. You can't pour from an empty cup, so make sure to refill yours regularly. It's like being on an airplane—you have to put on your oxygen mask before you can help others.

Make sure you are the correct person to help…at least stay in your scope of practice. As a health and wellness coach you can often bump into things that require more expertise than your training has prepared you to manage. Understanding how to navigate these challenges effectively, and when to refer is a skill set. Having the courage to try and trusting your ability to walk along the edges of these issues holding someone’s hand is important. Knowing that someone else can speed the journey and avoid complicating the healing process is wisdom.