Trauma Informed Care and early distress identification in oncology settings

Abstract

Cancer is not only a physical illness but also a source of substantial emotional and psychological trauma and distress for patients. Oncology-related trauma stems from the uncertainty of diagnosis, invasive treatments, and the potential threat to life, leading to emotional distress, anxiety, and in some cases, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Addressing this trauma early is essential for patient well-being, as unresolved distress and trauma can exacerbate mental health challenges and hinder treatment adherence. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) offers a framework to mitigate these issues by focusing on safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in care settings. Organizational attention to trauma is critical, as healthcare environments that fail to address emotional distress can contribute to patient dissatisfaction, higher healthcare costs, and poorer outcomes. Oncology Social Workers (OSW) are professional that are positioned to lead the implementation of TIC due to their training in psychosocial care and trauma identification. OSWs role in healthcare encompasses not just individual patient support, but also educating healthcare teams, advocating for system-wide changes, and creating trauma-informed practices that benefit both patients, staff, and organizations. This manuscript discusses the implementation of TIC in oncology settings, recommending the use of a Trauma-Informed Assessment Protocol, such as the Distress Thermometer (DT), to facilitate early identification and intervention of distress, ultimately improving patient outcomes and organizational effectiveness.