Mega Doctor News
Across the country, the prevalence of trauma is profound. From life-threatening automobile accidents and acts of violence to serious illnesses and natural disasters, traumatic events happen every day. They don’t discriminate; they’re a part of the human experience that can impact anyone regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
70% of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, according to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. That’s about 223.4 million Americans.
“The response to a traumatic event varies from person to person,” says Veronica Silva, LCSW, CART, Practice Administrator at STHS Clinics Mental Wellbeing Clinic. “While some can overcome stressful experiences, others may have trouble finding a new normal after a traumatic event. Untreated or unrecognized trauma can lead to toxic stress and affect a person’s mental and physical health, as well as relationships with family and friends. That’s why we must enhance our support and care to all patients.”
Since patients may have experienced trauma at some point in their life, first responders and healthcare workers should be equipped with trauma-informed care training, which is designed to educate healthcare professionals on the widespread impact of trauma on patients’ mental, physical, and emotional health and how to implement trauma-informed practices in their interactions with patients.
“The goal of trauma-informed care is to provide an environment of safety, advocacy, and healing for all patients,” says Silva. “Healthcare professionals who are well-versed in trauma-informed care can develop sensitive and appropriate treatment plans for patients who may have experienced trauma while implementing trauma-informed practices in their interactions with patients.”
To provide continuing education to healthcare professionals and first responders in the Rio Grande Valley on trauma-informed care, the South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute will be offering a special course on Thursday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Embassy Suites Convention Center in McAllen. Held in partnership with STHS McAllen’s Level I Trauma Center and the STHS Education Department, the continuing education course will give participants a better understanding of the widespread impact of trauma and paths for recovery while helping them recognize the signs and symptoms of past and present trauma in patients and adopt trauma-informed practices that can potentially improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, and health outcomes.
The training will focus on the core principles of a trauma-informed approach to care that are necessary to transform a healthcare setting, including safety, trustworthiness and transparency, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, humility, and responsiveness.
“Healing happens from a collective effort by organizations with similar goals, and South Texas Health System is committed to connecting the dots in fostering healing throughout the region,” says Silva. “Promoting and practicing trauma-informed care allows trauma survivors to see that they’re not alone in their healing journey.”
Taking place ahead of South Texas Health System’s Advanced Symposium on Trauma, Critical Care, and Emergency General Surgery, the free continuing education course on trauma-informed care is being offered at no cost to all hospital staff, emergency medical services professionals, members of law enforcement, educators, and social workers. Upon completion of the course, nurses, social workers, and EMS professionals will receive five hours of continuing education credit. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
To register for the pre-symposium course, please visit www.sthstraumasymposium.com. For additional information, contact Julieta Piando at 956-385-3473 or julieta.piando@uhsrgv.com.
Event Details:
Who: South Texas Health System Trauma & Critical Care Institute
What: Trauma-Informed Care Continuing Education Course
Where: Embassy Suites Convention Center, 800 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501
When: Thursday, August 15, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
