Decreasing the Trauma of Trauma: Providing Emotionally Safe Care to Injured Pediatric Patients (Live)-Handout: Decreasing the Trauma of Trauma: Providing Emotionally Safe Care to Injured Pediatric Patients

Handout: Decreasing the Trauma of Trauma: Providing Emotionally Safe Care to Injured Pediatric Patients

Pdf Summary

The Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA) offers an educational activity focused on emotionally safe care for injured pediatric patients, accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). TCAA provides a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for participants and is also approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing for 1.0 contact hours.<br /><br />The program, led by Certified Child Life Specialist Jenaya Gordon, emphasizes trauma-informed care and the emotional safety of children undergoing medical procedures. Key objectives include defining emotional safety, understanding common trauma reactions in children, and employing trauma-informed, emotionally safe tactics during patient care.<br /><br />Gordon, who has extensive experience and has authored several works on trauma-informed practices, provides practical guidelines and strategies for medical professionals. These include building rapport with pediatric patients, calming techniques, and coping strategies during stressful medical procedures. Gordon stresses that professionals should give clear and sensitive explanations about procedures to manage fear and pain effectively.<br /><br />The program discards common soothing phrases that may seem dismissive and encourages using language that acknowledges both the patient's feelings and introduces coping strategies. It promotes involving parents or caregivers in the care process to provide emotional support and minimize stress.<br /><br />Resources like the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and the Simply Sayin’ app are recommended for medical staff to communicate using family-friendly medical terms. The program emphasizes minimizing stress and environmental triggers for children and provides guidance on handling sensitive news.<br /><br />Overall, the TCAA activity advocates for compassionate care by acknowledging the psychological impact of medical interventions on children, aiming to reduce trauma through informed and empathetic approaches.

Keywords

Trauma Center Association of America

emotionally safe care

pediatric patients

trauma-informed care

Jenaya Gordon

child life specialist

coping strategies

family-friendly communication

stress minimization

psychological impact