Ethical Considerations in Trauma-Informed Care

Exposure to trauma is common in the general population, with increased rates of exposure in persons with mental health conditions. Health care service provision may be traumatizing or retraumatizing, especially in settings of involuntary treatment, physical and chemical restraints, and/or seclusion, which may also contribute to vicarious trauma in health care workers. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) approaches are evidence-based practices consistent with existing ethical frameworks, aimed to promote safe, transparent, empowering, and collaborative care environments to mitigate the pervasive impact of trauma on health, care engagement, and patient and health care staff wellness.