If we have a patient that has suffered many traumatic events or scores high on the ACES evaluation, the patient can ultimately suffer from various issues in all aspects of life. These patients may feel vulnerable all of the time and it may be easier for them to not feel safe especially in healthcare settings where they feel they don’t have much control. These patients may suffer from mental health disorders including post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders (Monnat & Chandler, 2015). The stigma surrounding mental health also poses a higher risk for these patients not to solicit medical treatment. Moreover, other long term impacts may also include a higher risk for cardiac diseases, diabetes, and obesity (Monnat & Chandler, 2015). This can be due to a number of reasons that all stem from adverse childhood experiences that can then have an effect on how much treatment a patient will seek, adherence to medication, missing appointments etc. (Perez, 2021).

Once I am a practicing nurse, I will try to implement techniques to perform trauma inquiry and more insight with my patient by establishing trust and rapport, explaining why I am asking those questions and trying my best to not re-traumatize them. I will do my best to be transparent with my patients, asking for permission, explaining everything I am doing (assessments/procedures), taking the time to listen and answer any questions or concerns my patient may have. Also offer the appropriate resources and access to services for my patient to feel cared for and empower them by collaborating and include them in shared-decision making. 

References

Monnat, S. M., & Chandler, R. F. (2015). Long-term physical health consequences of adverse childhood experiences. The Sociological Quarterly, 56(4), 723–752. https://doi.org/10.1111/tsq.12107 

Perez, A. (2021). Trauma Informed Care in Primary Care Settings. [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from https://brightspace.une.edu/d2l/le/content/12132/viewContent/399606/View