A concept analysis of trauma‐informed care
Heather Guest
Abstract
AIM: This concept analysis aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the concept of trauma-informed care and explore the use of this concept in nursing, using Walker and Avant's method. BACKGROUND: Trauma-informed care is a priority for nurses caring for patients with previous trauma. Many forms of trauma exist. Various types of trauma may not be apparent without appropriate assessment. Therefore, nurses must approach all patients with the components of trauma-informed care. DESIGN: Concept analysis. DATA SOURCE: PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles in English. The final sample consisted of 23 documents published from 2015 to 2020. REVIEW METHODS: Concept analyzed using Walker and Avant's eight-step method. RESULTS: Four defining attributes of trauma-informed care were identified as recognition, knowledge, concern, and respect. Definitions, the use of the concept of trauma-informed care, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents are described. Model, borderline, and contrary cases are discussed. CONCLUSION: Many forms of trauma exist. Various types of trauma may not be apparent without appropriate assessment. Therefore, establishing an operational definition of trauma-informed care has implications and significance in victim identification and the provision of trauma-informed care, advocacy, and nursing and interdisciplinary research.