Evaluating Take 5: Virtual Learning Sessions on Trauma Informed Care for Healthcare Staff During COVID-19

Abstract

Trauma disproportionately impacts people with HIV. To mitigate these adverse impacts, primary care providers can identify and address trauma with clients using a trauma informed care (TIC) approach. In 2018, CAI, an organization that provides national level training and capacity-building developed a TIC implementation model, now delivered in HIV and primary care agencies throughout the United States to integrate TIC into their culture, environment, and service delivery. New Jersey Trauma Informed Care (NJTIC) is the organization’s longest standing TIC initiative. To respond to the complex challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we developed a webinar series, Take 5, to leverage and expand upon the existing knowledge and skills of providers across 15 agencies part of the NJTIC project. This article describes the series’ purpose, to support staff and sustain and develop their TIC competencies during this unprecedented reality. Results of our evaluation indicated the reaction, satisfaction, and impact described by staff, who enhanced their TIC knowledge and utilized new skills with clients and themselves. Staff and their supervisors reported that the series offered consistency and support during an uncertain time. These promising practices can be applied broadly during crises to bolster knowledge, skills, collaboration, and self-care.