“Let’s consider Maria’s story,” opens Dr. Dana Ross. “She is a woman in her 30s seeking care for unexplained abdominal pain. Her healthcare provider, unaware of the prevalence of trauma and untrained in how to address it, unintentionally increases her distress. A transvaginal ultrasound is scheduled without discussing Maria’s comfort or concerns, triggering traumatic memories that leave her feeling unseen, scared and contemplating cancelling both the procedure and follow-up. Sadly, Maria’s experience is not unique.”

Dr. Ross, a psychiatrist in the Trauma Therapy Program at Women’s College Hospital (WCH), is making her pitch at the inaugural 2023 Healthcare Breakthrough Challenge, an event where hospital care teams pitch innovative research ideas for a chance to secure up to $100,000 in funding. Her team would go on to secure first place, receiving the funding needed to advance a program focused on training healthcare professionals to deliver trauma-informed care (TIC).

More than 60 per cent of Canadians carry the weight of trauma from their past, whether it’s childhood abuse, neglect, domestic violence or systemic discrimination. For many, these experiences don’t remain in the past. They linger, manifesting as long-term physical and mental health challenges, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized communities, where systemic discrimination, limited access to care and ongoing socio-economic pressures can amplify the effects of trauma. And while the impacts are widespread, too many healthcare providers remain ill-equipped to fully recognize or address its impacts.

The TIC course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the skills to create safer, more supportive environments for both patients and colleagues.

Research shows that when TIC principles are applied, patient outcomes improve, healthcare staff experience less burnout and trust in the healthcare system strengthens. Healthcare providers who are better equipped to handle patients’ emotional and psychological needs are more likely to deliver effective, empathetic care.

“Earlier needs assessments revealed that while many healthcare providers are familiar with trauma-informed care, they often struggle with how to apply its principles,” says Dr. Ross.

Through videos, animations, podcasts, role plays, quizzes and more, this course addresses that gap by providing healthcare staff with practical strategies that can be used across various healthcare settings, including both direct and indirect patient care roles.

Dr. Nancy McCallum, psychiatrist at WCH, explains, “We equip healthcare staff with practical tools to refine communication and recognize how past trauma influences health experiences. Small shifts in care – like explaining what’s happening during a procedure – can make healthcare spaces more compassionate and effective. For example, instead of abruptly starting a procedure, narrating the steps like ‘I’m going to step out while you change, and I’ll knock before I come back in,’ can help reduce uncertainty and make patients feel safer – especially those with trauma histories.”