Developing a Trauma Informed Occupational Therapy Workforce

Abstract

Trauma is a prevalent condition that impacts individuals, groups, and populations. Trauma informed care (TIC) is a strengths-based approach that was developed to address the pervasiveness of trauma and prevent re-traumatization. Occupational therapy practitioners are likely to encounter individuals and groups who have experienced trauma and need to be familiar with the impacts of trauma as well as principles of TIC. While trauma and TIC concepts have been taught as learning modules, workshops, or continuing education courses, this study adopts the innovative approach of integrating these concepts across a two-course sequence on pediatric occupational therapy through readings, didactic content, and active learning strategies. The study participants were second year occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) students (N=37) in an entry level OTD program. The study used a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning lens to measure students’ growth in understanding the fundamentals of TIC and perceived self-competence in implementing these concepts in clinical practice. Data was collected at the beginning of the two-course sequence, mid-point, and end of both courses. Analyses indicated a statistically significant improvement in TIC knowledge and perceived self-competence from baseline to post-training measures. These results indicate that trauma and TIC concepts can be successfully integrated within the OT coursework. Based on the results of the study and review of the literature, suggestions for incorporating these concepts at the course, curriculum, and systemic levels have been made