Training Pediatric Primary Care Residents in Trauma-Informed Care: A Feasibility Trial

This study examined the feasibility and outcomes of a training designed to enhance pediatric residents’ trauma-informed practices in primary care. Paired samples t tests examined changes in 33 residents’ attitudes, perceived competence, and perceived barriers toward trauma-informed care after a 2-hour training. Fisher’s exact tests measured changes in residents’ screening and referral behaviors. A subsample (n = 9) of residents were interviewed about the training. Residents reported increases in favorable attitudes ( P = .065) and perceived competence ( P < .001) and decreases in perceived barriers ( P = .001 to .521) to implementing trauma-informed care practices. Chart reviews revealed a significant increase in completed trauma screens (0% to 8.0%, P < .001) but no difference in referrals for psychology/psychiatry services (1.9% to 4.2%, P = .200). Residents reported finding the training helpful. Although residents were willing and understood the utility of assessing for trauma, they faced substantial barriers.