Document Type
Poster
Presentation Date
3-4-2025
Abstract
Background
A cancer diagnosis often brings with it a profound sense of existential threat. For individuals with a history of trauma, it can activate a trauma response, manifesting as anxiety, depression, difficulty processing information, and challenges in adhering to a medical treatment plan. Health care providers in oncology settings should strive to recognize these responses to more effectively address patient concerns and help minimize potential barriers to care. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is a framework developed by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) which can help providers realize, recognize, respond, and resist retraumatization of patients.
Objectives
Examine the effective use of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meeting to provide a psychoeducational series on Trauma-Informed Care to raise awareness of the prevalence of trauma, create common language and to bring intentionality to patient, caregiver and staff interactions.
Methods
A needs assessment was distributed to determine interest in TIC. A pre and post psychoeducational survey was utilized to assess learning.
Psychoeducational Series
The series was developed and implemented by the supportive medicine social worker with the support from an oncology social worker and social work manager of patient navigation. The series was presented directly following case discussions.
Results
The four-part psychoeducational series highlighted a shift in both the understanding and the application of trauma-informed care.
The psychoeducational series was designed with the IDT meeting in mind to ensure inclusion of all disciplines. Its objective was to bridge knowledge gaps across disciplines with varying levels of familiarity with TIC. The post-training survey demonstrated an increase in understanding of the six principles of TIC and a shift towards empathy and understanding rather than blame.
Discussion
The psychoeducational series was designed with the IDT meeting in mind to ensure inclusion of all disciplines. Its objective was to bridge knowledge gaps across disciplines with varying levels of familiarity with TIC. The post-training survey demonstrated an increase in understanding of the six principles of TIC and a shift towards empathy and understanding rather than blame.
Future Implications
Social Workers play a vital leadership role in developing and implementing programs that enhance the well-being of oncology patients and can leverage their expertise to design psychoeducational programs that enhance patient care.
The IDT meeting can serve as a valuable platform for engaging staff and incorporating a trauma- informed perspective into practice.
Recommended Citation
Sitko, MSW, LCSW, Ramona, "Cultivating a Trauma-Informed Lens into Outpatient Supportive Oncology via the Interdisciplinary Team" (2025). Kimmel Cancer Center Papers, Presentations, and Grand Rounds. Paper 79.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/kimmelgrandrounds/79
Language
English
Comments
Presented at the American Psychosocial Oncology Society (APOS) 2025 Annual Conference.