What is needed for Trauma Informed Mental Health Services in Australia? Perspectives of clinicians and managers.

Abstract

Trauma Informed Care is an approach to the delivery of mental health care that requires sensitivity to the prevalence and effects of trauma in the lives of people accessing services. While TIC is increasingly emphasized in mental health policy and frameworks in Australia, people working in mental health settings have reportedly struggled to translate the values and principles into their everyday practice. This qualitative study used an experience-based co-design methodology to explore the potential for implementation of Trauma Informed Care into mental health services in Australia. The experiences of consumers, carers, clinicians, and managers were gathered. This paper presents the perspectives of clinicians (n=64) and senior managers (n=9) from across three Local Health Districts in New South Wales in Australia. All data were analysed thematically to address the research question: What is needed for Trauma Informed Mental Health Services in Australia? To be trauma-informed, managers required: leadership at all levels, access to resource, relevant and accessible training, support for staff, resolution of wider systems issues, and clarification of the concept and actions of TIC. Clinicians identified that to be trauma-informed they required services to: be aware of staff well-being, support different ways of working, address workplace cultures and provide increased resources. The findings have implications for any service, team or individual seeking to implement TIC within mental health settings.