Abstract
Introduction: Trauma-informed care (TIC) refers to the widespread impact of trauma on patients, focusing on safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. Oncology patients are particularly vulnerable to trauma due to the emotional and physical distress associated with cancer diagnoses and treatments. This literature review examined the role of TIC in oncology, emphasizing its effects on patient outcomes, healthcare provider practices, and challenges in implementation.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from 2018 to 2024 were selected from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Keywords included "trauma-informed care," "oncology," "patient outcomes," and "interdisciplinary collaboration". A total of 10 studies were included, analyzing TIC interventions, patient care outcomes, and barriers to implementation.
Results: Evidence supported the positive impact of TIC on patient outcomes, including reduced anxiety, depression, and distress. Davidson et al. (2023) demonstrated that TIC approaches in oncology settings reduced anxiety and improved patient-provider relationships. Andrejko and Katrichis (2022) found psychosocial barriers to care and stressed the importance of trauma-informed practices. Dhawan and LeBlanc (2022) showed that TIC facilitated shared decision-making, particularly for racial minorities with hematologic malignancies. Key barriers identified were insufficient staff training, institutional resistance, and limited resources.
Discussion: TIC enhances emotional well-being and patient engagement, contributing to improved care experiences in oncology. Implementing TIC faces challenges, such as the lack of training, time constraints, and institutional barriers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) outlined strategies to aid in overcoming obstacles. Fleishman et al. (2019) emphasized the role of nurses in leading TIC integration, fostering improved communication and patient care.
Conclusion: Trauma-informed care significantly benefits oncology patients by addressing psychological trauma and improving treatment protocol implementation. This study highlights the importance of TIC training for healthcare providers and institutional support for its implementation. Future research should focus on overcoming implementation barriers and evaluating the long-term effects of TIC in oncology.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Phi Gamma (Virtual)
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Systematic Review
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Academic-clinical Partnership, Interprofessional, Interdisciplinary, Primary Care, Clinical Practice, Promoting Clinical Outcomes, Trauma-informed Care, Oncology
Recommended Citation
Lee, Susan K. and Clark, Kevin R., "Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 80.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/80
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-11-26
Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Introduction: Trauma-informed care (TIC) refers to the widespread impact of trauma on patients, focusing on safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration. Oncology patients are particularly vulnerable to trauma due to the emotional and physical distress associated with cancer diagnoses and treatments. This literature review examined the role of TIC in oncology, emphasizing its effects on patient outcomes, healthcare provider practices, and challenges in implementation.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from 2018 to 2024 were selected from PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Keywords included "trauma-informed care," "oncology," "patient outcomes," and "interdisciplinary collaboration". A total of 10 studies were included, analyzing TIC interventions, patient care outcomes, and barriers to implementation.
Results: Evidence supported the positive impact of TIC on patient outcomes, including reduced anxiety, depression, and distress. Davidson et al. (2023) demonstrated that TIC approaches in oncology settings reduced anxiety and improved patient-provider relationships. Andrejko and Katrichis (2022) found psychosocial barriers to care and stressed the importance of trauma-informed practices. Dhawan and LeBlanc (2022) showed that TIC facilitated shared decision-making, particularly for racial minorities with hematologic malignancies. Key barriers identified were insufficient staff training, institutional resistance, and limited resources.
Discussion: TIC enhances emotional well-being and patient engagement, contributing to improved care experiences in oncology. Implementing TIC faces challenges, such as the lack of training, time constraints, and institutional barriers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) outlined strategies to aid in overcoming obstacles. Fleishman et al. (2019) emphasized the role of nurses in leading TIC integration, fostering improved communication and patient care.
Conclusion: Trauma-informed care significantly benefits oncology patients by addressing psychological trauma and improving treatment protocol implementation. This study highlights the importance of TIC training for healthcare providers and institutional support for its implementation. Future research should focus on overcoming implementation barriers and evaluating the long-term effects of TIC in oncology.
Description
Trauma-informed care (TIC) in oncology addresses the emotional and psychological impacts of cancer treatment on patients. This review explores the benefits of TIC, including improved patient outcomes, reduced distress, and better communication. Key challenges include insufficient staff training and limited resources. The findings suggest that implementing TIC enhances patient care and emphasizes the need for ongoing provider education and institutional support for effective integration.