An Evaluation of a Trauma‐Informed Care Training Programme Within a Dental Hospital
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: PURPOSE: As evidence continues to accumulate for the association between psychological trauma and poor oral health outcomes, the need for Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approaches in dental settings has become increasingly apparent. Training initiatives represent one promising approach to promoting TIC practices within dental settings. This study evaluated a training programme designed to improve TIC practices among Dental Hospital staff. METHODS: The training program comprised an interactive session covering understanding psychological trauma, how to respond to this in dentistry, and self-care for dental staff, administered over 3 hours. Dental, nursing, and administrative staff completed measures to evaluate their confidence and attitudes toward TIC practice before training, immediately after training, and approximately 1 year after the final training session. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that participants consistently rated the session as highly relevant and useful. Furthermore, participants' self-reported confidence toward TIC showed significant improvement following attendance at the training (p < 0.001), with average confidence levels increasing by approximately 30% after the training. Additionally, there was a significant difference in staff attitudes toward TIC between those who had completed the training and those who had not, approximately 1-year post-training. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that training programs such as ours can positively impact staff confidence and attitudes related to psychological trauma, potentially enhancing the dental experience for people with a history of psychological trauma.
DOI: 10.1111/eje.70084
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7117565079