Beyond the Physical Wound: The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Care Models in Nursing Across Healthcare Settings—A Scoping Review of Patient and Staff Outcomes

Bushra Abdullah Alblwi (1) , Nouf Sulaiman Alharbi (2) , Duaa Mohammad Alreheli (3) , Bader Nafae Alrashidi (4) , Badr Eyadah Alrashidi (5) , Bandar Ali Saleh Alrashidi (6) , Basmah Helal Sayfi AlKhaibari (7) , Bador Shaiem M Remal (8) , Sharifah Braq Jaber Asiri (9) , Hana Otish Al Rowily (10) , Talal Al-Humaidi Al-Harbi (11) , Saeedah Dahel Alhazme (12)
(1) 1Uhud Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(2) Ohud Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(3) Yanbu General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(4) Hospital Khaybar General, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(5) Khaibar General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(6) Khaybar General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(7) Khaybar Primary Health Care Center, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(8) Al-Rudayfah Health Center, Dumat Al-Jandal, Al-Jouf Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(9) Arq Al-Hana Health Center, Ahad Rifidah, Asir, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(10) T.G.H, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(11) Shari Health Center, Al-Qassim Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia,
(12) Talaat Ammar Health Center, Sakaka – Al-Jouf Health Cluster, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Trauma, both physical and psychological, represents a pervasive public health crisis with profound implications for healthcare utilization. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) has emerged as a systemic, organizational framework that recognizes the pervasive impact of trauma and promotes environments of healing and safety for all.


Aim: This scoping review aims to map the breadth and effectiveness of TIC models as implemented and led by nursing professionals across the care continuum, from high-acuity settings like the Emergency Room to community-based Primary Care.


Methods: A scoping review methodology following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) framework was conducted. Five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science) were systematically searched for literature published between 2010 and 2024. 


Results: Findings are categorized across four key settings: Emergency/Trauma, Inpatient, Mental Health/Substance Use, and Primary Care. For nursing staff, TIC implementation is associated with decreased burnout, reduced secondary traumatic stress, increased professional self-efficacy, and improved perceived safety. Key implementation success factors include universal education, environmental modifications, and organizational leadership commitment.


Conclusion: TIC is a potent, effective framework that transforms clinical encounters and workplace culture. Widespread adoption requires sustained investment in training, policy reform, and a fundamental shift toward a culture of safety and collaboration in all healthcare settings.

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Authors

Bushra Abdullah Alblwi
Babalawi@moh.gov.sa (Primary Contact)
Nouf Sulaiman Alharbi
Duaa Mohammad Alreheli
Bader Nafae Alrashidi
Badr Eyadah Alrashidi
Bandar Ali Saleh Alrashidi
Basmah Helal Sayfi AlKhaibari
Bador Shaiem M Remal
Sharifah Braq Jaber Asiri
Hana Otish Al Rowily
Talal Al-Humaidi Al-Harbi
Saeedah Dahel Alhazme
Alblwi, B. A., Nouf Sulaiman Alharbi, Duaa Mohammad Alreheli, Bader Nafae Alrashidi, Badr Eyadah Alrashidi, Bandar Ali Saleh Alrashidi, … Saeedah Dahel Alhazme. (2024). Beyond the Physical Wound: The Effectiveness of Trauma-Informed Care Models in Nursing Across Healthcare Settings—A Scoping Review of Patient and Staff Outcomes. Saudi Journal of Medicine and Public Health, 1(2), 1808–1815. https://doi.org/10.64483/202412498

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