Trauma-Informed Medical Care
What is Trauma-Informed Medical Care?
Trauma-informed care focuses on understanding a patient’s history to provide healing-oriented healthcare services, enhancing patient engagement, treatment compliance, and overall health outcomes. Implementing these practices can also improve provider and staff well-being and reduce unnecessary costs in healthcare and social services.
Through trauma-informed care, Dr Serena and Whole Life Medicine aim to:
- Acknowledge the far-reaching effects of trauma and identify routes to healing;
- Identify the indicators of trauma in patients, families, and staff;
- Incorporate awareness of trauma into policies, protocols, and behaviors; and
- Proactively prevent re-traumatization.
How to Prepare for a Clinic Visit
Woman’s wellness exams concentrate on addressing health concerns that are unique to female reproductive health, with the aim of preventing new health issues or managing existing conditions. As a trauma survivor, feeling anxious about a woman’s wellness exam is common; but, being informed and understanding the process can alleviate some of the stress. Here is how you can better prepare for your wellness visit:
- Understand that a wellness visit is intended to improve your well-being. While it can be challenging, it is crucial to be completely honest in your responses to questions posed during your visit.
- Jot down any questions about your health or potential treatment options.
- Bring a trusted family member or friend for support.
- Practice communicating about your struggles and setting boundaries.
- Remember that you are in charge of your examination.