In what ways does general practice align with trauma-informed care: a multi-method qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Background Healthcare policies and guidelines recommend implementing trauma-informed care, but how best to embed it in general practice is not yet known. General practice readiness to implement trauma-informed care depends on whether this can fit into the existing ways of working. This study aimed to explore where general practice is regarding trauma-informed care implementation and what are the enabling and constraining factors. Methods Informed by the frameworks for trauma-informed care and implementation, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study in four general practices in southwest England. Data from 17 documents, 12 hours of observations, and 43 semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare providers were analysed thematically. Results We developed four themes: realise, recognise, respond, resist retraumatisation; safe physical and psychological environments for all; opportunities for choice and collaboration; empowering patients. The focus of trauma-informed care on addressing structural and systemic violence matched general practice’s mission of supporting disadvantaged communities and commitment to social justice. We found examples of trauma-informed care implemented by individual providers and at a clinic for patients with multiple disadvantage. However, these examples existed alongside individual providers, services and organisations that had not yet achieved the same level of trauma awareness and responsiveness. The inner context (lack of spaces, challenges with access and continuity of care, and the lack of collaboration between clinical and non-clinical teams) and outer context (pressure on services, staff shortages, digitalisation, the COVID legacy) appeared to be the most significant barriers to implementation of trauma-informed care. Conclusions Adopters of trauma-informed care in general practice should build on existing examples of trauma-informed care at the level of individual providers and services and optimise use of existing policies, processes and practices that implicitly align with this type of care provision. These should be made explicitly trauma informed and incorporated throughout whole organisation. While it is strategically important to aspire to making all organisational policies, processes and practices trauma informed, the current context shapes what is achievable. Implementation of trauma-informed care in general practice should focus on improving access to services, providing continuity of care, and strengthening collaboration between clinical and non-clinical teams.
Source: BMC Family Practice
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,790
OpenAlex ID: W7225834879
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: