Trauma-Informed Care: Needs Assessment in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

It is estimated that over 60 percent of children and adolescents in the United States have experienced one or more traumatic event (Saunders & Adams, 2014) resulting in increased psychosocial needs. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) involves recognizing and validating the effects of trauma and promotes for effective treatment. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to describe the frequency of neglect and trauma, including abuse and accidental events, among patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit and identify types of interventions and referrals documented by providers in the medical record. This project was based on a descriptive, cross-sectional design for a retrospective chart review. The sample consisted of electronic medical records (EMR) of children and adolescents admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with a diagnosis of trauma over a 12-month period. Findings suggested there was minimal implementation of TIC in the PICU among healthcare providers, indicating a gap in practice. This may be related to a lack of provider knowledge and training, suggesting the importance of educational approaches for improving interventions supported by the organization. In conclusion, pediatric healthcare providers need education and training to incorporate TIC into their practice, thereby improving healthcare outcomes