Implementing trauma-informed care across the lifespan to acknowledge childhood adverse event prevalence: best clinical practices

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress in childhood have been correlated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, poor social outcomes, and early mortality. Understanding the prevalence of trauma and its effects on lifelong health outcomes has been the focus of an evolving concept of care delivery known as trauma-informed care (TIC). The aim of this article is to provide a general overview of TIC and to review current best-practice recommendations and models of care, thereby providing NPs with practical ways to empower a trauma-informed approach to care in their daily practice setting.