The Healer's Lens: Trauma Informed Care in Everyday Emergency Medicine

Emergency physicians regularly care for patients who have experienced trauma. However, we receive little training on the broader impact of trauma and how it influences ED care. We will review a framework for trauma informed care and discuss practical steps on both the individual and systems level to prevent re-traumatization of patients. The talk will include a review of the current scope of TIC research and future directions, including the inclusion of TIC into ATLS. Attendees will learn to promote a stronger therapeutic alliance and overcome common interpersonal traps that lead to burnout and feelings of inefficacy in caring for high-need patients. The session is for EPs who are seeking a new approach for caring for vulnerable patients that will promote trust, solidarity and healing.