FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INTERVENTION TO ENHANCE TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE IN NURSING

This project educated nurses on trauma-informed care (TIC) principles to build their perceived confidence and ability to apply TIC practices in clinical settings. The goal was to increase knowledge, affective commitment, beliefs, and self-efficacy with TIC through an educational intervention. Trauma significantly impacts well-being, leading to chronic health issues, substance abuse, and mental health problems. Nurses can also experience trauma, such as vicarious or secondary trauma. TIC focuses on identifying the impact of trauma and preventing re-traumatization within the healthcare setting. The project was conducted to enhance TIC behaviors in nurses using an interactive educational intervention. The project used a pre-post survey design with validated assessment tools to measure knowledge, affective commitment, self-efficacy, and beliefs about trauma. An interactive session included a didactic presentation, case studies, and open discussion. Data analysis used paired t-tests and descriptive statistics. Participants (N=44) achieved a 100% post-survey response rate. Although improvements in knowledge scores were not statistically significant (p < .077), affective commitment, self-efficacy, and beliefs showed significant improvements (p < 0.001). Evaluation surveys revealed that 91% indicated they gained knowledge, and 89% would apply their knowledge to practice. The project is replicable and scalable, promoting enhanced safety and wellness for patients and nurses.