Impact of an Interprofessional Trauma-Informed Palliative Care Workshop

Key Message: Trauma-Informed Palliative Care (TIPC) training is needed to enhance providers’ ability to effectively respond to trauma within serious illness care. A virtual interprofessional workshop with case-based learning improved participants’ self-reported TIPC knowledge and skills. Preliminary outcomes support the value of TIPC education and need for broader dissemination across palliative settings.

Abstract:

Background: Traumatic experiences are common among seriously ill patients and can significantly hinder care. Trauma-Informed Palliative Care (TIPC) skills are critical in establishing a strong therapeutic alliance and reducing risk of re-traumatization [1-3]. Despite its importance, educational programs designed to train interprofessional palliative care teams in TIPC principles and practices are lacking.

Objectives: Develop, implement, evaluate and refine an interprofessional TIPC training program.

Methods: Using Kern’s Six-Step Curriculum Development framework [4], and with input from various stakeholders, we co-designed a two-hour interactive virtual TIPC workshop which combined didactic teaching and small-group case-based skills practice. Learning objectives included: (1) describing the impact and manifestations of trauma in the context of serious illness, and (2) applying trauma-informed language and principles to clinical vignettes. Participant assessment surveys before, immediately after, and three months following the workshop were used to evaluate changes in TIPC knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors.

Results: 35 interprofessional palliative care team members from four institutions completed the TIPC virtual training. Participants included hospice and palliative medicine spiritual care providers, social workers, psychologists, advanced practice nurses, and physicians. Preliminary findings demonstrate increased TIPC self-reported knowledge and understanding (15/35 to 32/35 pre- to post-workshop knowledge, p-value = 0.00; 3/35 to 24/35 understanding, p-value = 0.00), and increased self-efficacy and confidence in practicing TIPC principles and skills (22/35 to 34/35 pre- to post-workshop effectiveness, p = 0.001; 18/35 to 33/35 confidence, p = 0.00). The workshop met expectations (85%) with 89% of learners likely to recommend it to a colleague. Qualitative feedback demonstrates high learner satisfaction with the TIPC training and virtual interactive educational platform.

Conclusion: Interprofessional TIPC training enhances clinician knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care, increasing providers’ ability to recognize and appropriately respond to trauma. Future efforts will focus on further refining the training and broader dissemination across palliative care settings.

References: 1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Practical Guide for Implementing a Trauma-Informed Approach. SAMHSA Publication No. PEP23-06-005. Rockville, MD: National Mental Health and Substance Use Policy Laboratory. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023.
2. Ganzel B. Trauma-Informed Hospice and Palliative Care. Gerontologist (2018) 58(3): 409-419.
3. Ricks-Aherne E et al. Practice Considerations for Trauma-Informed Care at End of Life. J Social Work in E-O-L & Pall Care (2020) 16(4):313-329.
4. Thomas PA, Kern DE, et al. Curriculum Development for Medical Education: A Six-Step Approach. 3rd ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press; 2016.