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The following is a summary of “Primary Healthcare Practitioners’ Perspectives on Trauma-Informed Primary Care: A Systematic Review,” published in the September 2024 issue of Primary Care by Bulford et al.

For a study, researchers aimed to explore the role of primary healthcare practitioners (PHCPs) in trauma-informed care. With domestic and family violence as a significant public health issue, PHCPs are in a unique position to offer support to trauma survivors. However, researchers identified a gap in understanding how these practitioners view and implement trauma-informed care.

To address this, the team systematically reviewed qualitative studies published up to July 2023. They searched eight databases, selecting papers that focused on primary care settings, specifically those that included the perspectives of PHCPs. Only empirical qualitative data were considered, ensuring a clear distinction between the views of PHCPs and other participants. Thematic synthesis was used to draw connections and develop themes from the findings.

The review included 13 U.S., Canada, Australia, and Norway studies. Three central themes emerged: Changing the Paradigm, Building Trust, and Navigating the Emotional Load. These themes reflect the ongoing shifts in primary care as practitioners strive to adopt trauma-informed approaches. The studies revealed that PHCPs often feel the strain of navigating complex trauma while maintaining patient trust and managing their emotional burdens.

The review highlights the need to support PHCPs in handling trauma-related care. It calls for interventions to reduce the emotional toll on practitioners and emphasizes the importance of a consistent, well-defined approach to trauma-informed care. By doing so, PHCPs can better address the long-term effects of violence and trauma on patients while sustaining their mental health.

Source: bmcprimcare.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12875-024-02573-4