Abstract
Researchers explored how pediatric OTs were providing interventions for children who experienced trauma. Findings identified trauma-informed care approaches that were commonly incorporated into interventions and had positive outcomes.
Primary Author and Speaker: Jason Lawson
Contributing Authors: Anna Elizabeth Cowsert, Mariah Foote, Ashley McCance, Kayla Stroh
Approximately two-thirds of children ages 16 and younger experience childhood trauma, which can have devastating effects on their daily life (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration [SAMHSA], 2018). As a result, SAMHSA has identified universal, trauma-informed care (TIC) approaches that all professionals who work with those who experienced trauma should implement within their practices. Furthermore, occupational therapists (OTs) have been advised to implement TIC in their service delivery (Fette et al., 2019). Currently, it is unclear how TIC approaches are being implemented by OTs who work with children who experienced trauma. Therefore, the purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the lived experiences of practicing OTs who have treated this population. Six participants were purposively selected and interviewed with semi-structured interviews. The interview data were coded, developed into categories, and three major themes emerged: 1. OTs discussed how complex the children’s needs were and that collaborating with caregivers and other professionals was necessary in order to meet those needs, 2. OTs recognized that positive client outcomes were the result of having knowledge about the effects trauma has on occupational performance, and 3. every OT utilized TIC approaches of building rapport to enhance feelings of safety, having a predictable routine for their session, and frequently collaboration with others involved in the child’s care. In conclusion, OTs are being called to provide services to children who have experienced trauma and should educate themselves on the effects of childhood trauma and TIC approaches to optimize client outcomes (Fette et al., 2019). Researchers recommend that OTs identify additional strategies for implementing TIC approaches in pediatric settings and contribute to the scientific evidence about the efficacy of the interventions they are utilizing with this population.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration. (2018). Understanding child trauma. United States Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/understanding-child-trauma
Fette, C., Lambdin-Pattavina, C., & Weaver, L. L. (2019). Understanding and applying trauma-informed approaches across occupational therapy settings. American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/-/media/corporate/files/publications/ce-articles/ce-article-may-2019-trauma.pdf