Date of Award

Fall 2023

Degree Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Chair

Dr. Carolyn Coleman

Committee Chair School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Committee Member 2

Dr. Anita Greer

Committee Member 2 School

Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice

Abstract

The connection between experiencing trauma and the development of substance use disorder is widely recognized. Although trauma is more prevalent among individuals with substance use disorders, healthcare professionals have limited access to training focused on trauma informed care. It is crucial for those working in addiction treatment to receive training and education on trauma informed care to understand the impact of trauma and its association with substance use disorders.

This DNP project's objective was to develop and evaluate an educational presentation for staff emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care in the context of addiction. The effectiveness of this intervention was assessed using a pre-/post-intervention approach. Twelve employees at an inpatient substance use treatment facility participated in this project. The results revealed that participant knowledge and familiarity with trauma and trauma informed care increased after engaging with the material.

An educational intervention effectively increased staff knowledge and familiarity with trauma-informed care. By increasing staff awareness on the impact of trauma and trauma-informed care the education may result in improved patient outcomes in addiction treatment. Additionally, a staff that is well-versed in trauma-informed care may create a more supportive and empowering environment for patients, leading to increased engagement in treatment and better overall satisfaction with the care they receive.

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