Medical trauma in young adults with inflammatory bowel disease: The role of trauma-informed care

Medical trauma is a profound concern for those with chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially young adults. This trauma, arising from both the disease itself and necessary medical interventions, manifests as an accumulation of traumatic experiences impacting a patient’s physical and psychological well-being. The Crohn’s and Colitis Young Adults Network (CCYAN) conducted a roundtable discussion involving young adult IBD patients and healthcare professionals focused on medical trauma and its implications in the treatment of young adults with IBD. This article summarizes the key insights from this discussion, including medical trauma in IBD as an accumulation of ‘micro-traumas,’ the impacts of such trauma and disruptions in care regardless of post-traumatic stress diagnosis, the role of adverse childhood experiences and trauma-informed care, practical strategies to cultivate trust during individual patient encounters, and recommendations for providing trauma-informed care within the clinical setting.