Implementing a system-wide trauma informed care model

Abstract

This practicum report describes my practicum experience in the Mental Health and Addictions department (MHAD) of the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Social Work (MSW) degree program at the University of Regina, this practicum focused on integrating trauma informed care (TIC) into social work practice within a health care system. The report outlines the theoretical underpinnings of the TIC approach and discusses both the opportunities and challenges of using TIC for system-wide transformative social work practice. It also highlights the benefits of TIC such as avoiding re-traumatization and ensuring best interest of clients, both of which require an understanding of trauma and the impact it has on patient functioning. Through a narrative approach that includes personal reflections, field journals, and stories, I discuss the TIC literature and incorporate systems theory and anti-oppressive theory specifically, in interrogating the challenges I faced in achieving my goals. Finally, in the report, I proffer recommendations to enable the Saskatoon Health Authority to alleviate the adverse effects of trauma on clients and employees by integrating TIC into all levels of staff training, as well as micro and macro practice. I argue that TIC is basically good social work and is therefore relevant to a large interdisciplinary system such as SHA seeking to put clients first by prioritizing their best interest. Trauma Informed Care enhances patient outcomes and effective community reintegration through a systems theory informed wholistic treatment that reflects the core social work code of ethics, values and principles of practice.