ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 108
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Supporting resilience and recovery: Understanding general
practitioners’ perspectives on trauma-informed care
Dr Eleanor Bulford1, Prof Kelsey Hegarty1
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The University of Melbourne
Background
Exposure to domestic and family violence (DFV) is one of the most pervasive forms of complex
trauma and a global public health problem of epidemic proportions. Trauma-informed care provides
a framework to support healthcare providers to better meet the needs of survivors of trauma and
promote safety, resilience and recovery. General practitioners (GPs) are uniquely placed to support
individuals with managing the consequences of trauma, including DFV. However, GPs’ perspectives
on trauma-informed primary care are not well understood. A systematic literature review undertaken
by the research team identified only 12 qualitative articles that included primary care practitioners’
perspectives on trauma-informed care, with very limited data from the Australian general practice
context.
Aim and methods
This qualitative study aimed to explore Australian GPs’ views on how trauma-informed care can be
implemented in general practice. Fifteen GPs participated in semistructured interviews and a thematic
analysis of data was undertaken drawing on a socioecological framework.
Results
GPs described many ways in which a recognition of trauma informed their clinical practice. The
key themes that were identified spanned four socioecological levels: the individual practitioner (‘the
lightbulb moment’: understanding and awareness; ‘pouring from an empty cup’: the emotional
load); the interpersonal (‘chaos and control’: recognising trauma in presentations; ‘holding space’:
longitudinal care and trust, curiosity and listening); the clinic (‘it starts before they’ve come into my
room’: whole of practice involvement); and the structural (time and remunerative pressures; education
and training).
Conclusion
These findings shed light on how GPs understand and practise trauma-informed care and the
practical challenges and facilitators experienced in day-to-day clinical practice. Implications for further
developing and supporting trauma-informed general practice will be discussed.
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