How can you address historical trauma in healthcare?

Recognising the signs of historical trauma is crucial. Symptoms like chronic stress, depression, and a general mistrust toward healthcare systems can be indicators. Understanding these signs allows for more empathetic and effective engagement with affected consumers.

As a healthcare practitioner, you should be able to accommodate all individuals from different backgrounds by avoiding discriminative, stereotypical and judgement bias. You should therefore strive to be empathetic and actively listen to patients to foster a therapeutic relationship.

As clinicians, it is our responsibility and obligation to the public to educate ourselves in the customs and practices of the cultural diversity present in each of our communities. Now, more that ever, this has become a requirement set forth by the National Governing Board of my profession, the American Speech-Hearing Association. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation is now requiring a course at the time of licensure renewal to aid therapists and other professions who may have exposure to certain populations and how to recognize signs/symptoms of trauma.

in my experience sharing respect and listening to patients story of how he/she has come overcome their pain with small small win can help in healing faster.

Addressing historical trauma in patients requires a sensitive and empathetic approach. 1. Educate yourself: Learn about the specific historical traumas that have affected your patients' communities. Understand the historical context, events, and their impact on individuals and communities. 2. Establish trust: Create a trusting and non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions. Respect their boundaries and ensure confidentiality. 3. Listen actively: Give your patients ample time to express themselves. Listen attentively, validate their experiences, and show empathy. 4. Validate their experiences: Recognize and validate the pain, grief, and anger associated with historical trauma.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to sit down with the patient and show them that you are there to help and actively listen. Respect their personal feelings and thoughts. Show them you are genuinely interested in their needs by your actions and words. Become a collaborative team and work together so the patient care goals can be met.

The first step to culturally safe practice is to not only educate yourself about the trauma that has occurred for different groups of people, but to also reflect on your own values and pre-conceptions. You cannot implement any strategies to improve your practice if you are not first aware of why you may think or act the way you do.

Lead your care from a trauma-informed perspective. Know that everyone is a potential victim of trauma, make no assumptions and educate yourself be culturally literate in your care. And of course know your power😊.

Be prepared for a pretty rocky road for yourself as you explore the history of both the country and the client. Maintaining some perspective is really important for both you and your client. It’s so easy to feel their pain but it’s important you don’t let it overwhelm you

It is not just about assisting our patients to access resources, but to draw on these resources ourselves to form more effective therapeutic relationships. If cultural mentors are available within your health service, reach out to them and seek advice about how you can better interact with and support your patient, so the burden of educating you about how you should be practicing doesn't fall onto the patient.

When dealing with historical healthcare trauma, connecting with resources and support is crucial. Start by reaching out to community organizations, advocacy groups, or cultural centers that specialize in trauma-related issues. These organizations often provide access to counseling, support groups, and educational resources. Additionally, consider seeking professional help from therapists or counselors experienced in trauma and cultural sensitivity. Your healthcare provider can also guide you to appropriate resources. Don't hesitate to lean on your support network, including family and friends, who can offer emotional support and understanding.

Know the needs of who you serve, know their community, and know what resources are available. To do this right, there is no way around this work. You must engage with a diverse group of community leaders and programs. You need to understand their capabilities and how they may apply to the patients you work with. Collate a diverse database, that encompasses cultural and religious beliefs along resources to help with other health related social needs. Practice compassionate and humble care as you work with patients to engage with outside resources. It can be a heavy burden to share our trauma and admit we need help, if you do not do this with compassion, you risk only furthering the trauma and pain you are seeking to help alleviate.

Let's face it: working in healthcare can be draining. As we take on (and solve for) other people's pain every day it is just as important for us to take care of ourselves. Try setting boundaries between work and home life by limited technology after work hours.

Whenever we are faced with the suffering and pain of others, it is essential to remember that empathy and compassion are different. Empathy feels another's suffering and leads to compassion fatigue and our own internal suffering. Compassion is an action that seeks to alleviate another's pain. Focus on the why behind your work. Remind yourself that you care. Acknowledge to yourself and those you serve that you care and want to help lessen their burden. To really care for yourself, make your brain's neurobiology work for you.

A major component of overcoming historical trauma I don’t see above is delivering “Culturally Competent Care”. Healthcare professionals must receive training in cultural competency to ensure they can provide care that is sensitive to the unique needs and experiences of diverse populations. This includes understanding cultural beliefs, practices, and historical contexts. Examples of this would be language access, awareness of cultural norms (Asian vs Latin vs African, etc.), respect for the diversity, knowledge of traditional healthcare beliefs within the community you serve, and ongoing education. This works effectively when leaders within the community collaborate with clinical teams to build a Trust Bridge!

It should not be a surprise that the 2621 counties most behind in health care are predominantly Red Counties in the 2016 election plus the rural counties predominantly African American, Border Hispanic, and Native American. Outcomes and drives of outcomes remain lowest. The populations grow fastest. Their health care is just as misunderstood as the various populations. Rural or minority focus does them injustice as 25% - 40% of rural or minority populations are doing fine. The fact of the matter is that the US has a majority that it designs behind and keeps behind - with more percentages added as more children grow up in survival mode and fewer in thrival mode. The best opportunities to change outcomes must be early and often.

To address historical trauma in healthcare and promote person-centered care, strategies include cultivating cultural sensitivity, building trust, providing education, collaborating with communities, training healthcare providers, addressing bias, engaging in trauma-informed care, collaborating with mental health professionals, and conducting research. These efforts aim to understand and address the impact of historical trauma, creating a safe and inclusive healthcare environment.