Co-developing, piloting, and evaluating a translational simulation (TS) delivery model for the promotion of psychological trauma-informed care (TIC) to improve service delivery within acute hospital settings: A Research Protocol

Background : Over 70% of the general population have experienced at least one psychologically traumatic event in their lifetime, with 30.5% experiencing four or more events. Recognising the prevalence and potentially injurious effects of psychological trauma among healthcare workers and patients alike is considered important to ensure patient engagement, quality of care, positive health outcomes, as well as improved staff wellness, and more resilient health systems. Aim: The current project aims to improve the experience of both patients and staff in two acute hospital settings in St James’ Hospital (SJH): the Emergency Department (ED) and Acute Medical Assessment Unit (AMAU). This will be achieved through the development of a translational simulation improvement programme for trauma-informed care (TS4TIC). The objective of trauma-informed care (TIC) in the acute hospital setting is to reduce the impact of previous trauma on the care experience. Methods : Underpinned the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement we will (i) co-design a TIC improvement programme for use in acute hospital settings using translational simulation (TS) approaches, (ii) implement TS4TIC in two acute hospital settings, and (iii) co-evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of TS4TIC using co-defined outcome, process, and balancing indicators measured across iterative Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) cycles. Expected Outcome : The project’s completion will result in a co-designed, open access TS4TIC Toolkit , consisting of a suite of TS scenarios and accompanying monitoring and training resources to guide the adaptation of this approach for use in other acute healthcare settings nationally and internationally.