The Effects of Trauma-informed Care Organization on Birth Professionals and Women's Experiences of Trauma.

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

trauma-informed care training: An organization-wide trauma-informed care program involving training of organizational leaders, healthcare professionals, and support personnel to promote trauma-sensitive communication, psychological safety, informed consent, women's autonomy, and prevention of re-traumatization in maternity services.

Study summary

This study aims to evaluate the effects of integrating trauma-informed care (TIC) into the organizational structure of maternity services on women giving birth and healthcare professionals involved in perinatal care. The study will be conducted at Tarsus State Hospital and will implement a systematic, organization-wide TIC approach designed to improve the quality and psychological safety of maternity care.

Trauma-informed care recognizes the potential impact of previous and birth-related trauma and seeks to prevent re-traumatization through respectful communication, emotional safety, informed consent, empowerment, collaborative decision-making, and support for women's autonomy and dignity. In maternity services, these principles may contribute to more positive childbirth experiences while also supporting healthcare professionals who may experience secondary traumatic stress through repeated exposure to traumatic events.

The intervention will involve multiple groups within the hospital, including organizational leaders, healthcare professionals, and support personnel. Organizational leaders will receive training on institutional implementation of TIC and the development of sustainable organizational strategies. Healthcare professionals, including midwives, nurses, obstetricians, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, will receive training on recognizing trauma, trauma-sensitive communication, and integrating TIC principles into routine maternity care. Support personnel will receive training focused on respectful communication and awareness of trauma-related sensitivities.

Educational activities will include case discussions, group exercises, role-playing, and problem-solving sessions. The study will evaluate whether this organization-wide approach contributes to improved trauma-informed practices among healthcare professionals and more positive experiences among women receiving maternity care.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms — 4-6 weeks postpartum
  Birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms will be assessed using the City Birth Trauma Scale (City BiTS). The scale assesses post-traumatic stress symptoms related to childbirth. The total score ranges from 0 to 60, with higher scores indicating greater severity of birth-related post-traumatic stress symptoms and therefore a worse outcome.

Trial sites (1)

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