{"id":861159,"date":"2026-06-12T01:45:19","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T01:45:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/861159\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T01:45:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T01:45:19","slug":"how-does-trauma-informed-care-help-cancer-patients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/861159\/","title":{"rendered":"How does trauma-informed care help cancer patients?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most people will experience at least one traumatic event during their lifetime. That means some of the patients we serve have already faced one by the time they receive a cancer diagnosis<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

These experiences can have lasting effects on how we interact with others and move through the world. And, the invisible scars left behind can make cancer treatment<\/a> even more challenging. So, how do doctors care for patients who\u2019ve faced trauma sensitively, yet effectively?\u00a0<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where trauma-informed care comes in.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrauma-informed care is an approach to health care that recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma,\u201d says Clinical Ethicist Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be.<\/a> \u201cWhen patients come to us with a history of trauma, we can be understanding and responsive to provide them with a sense of safety.\u201d<\/p>\n

The \u20184 Rs\u2019 of trauma-informed care<\/b><\/p>\n

Pontarelli notes that trauma-informed care starts with the \u201c4 Rs.\u201d They are:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Realizing<\/b> that trauma affects everyone differently, and that there are many different paths to healing<\/li>\n
  2. Recognizing<\/b> the signs and symptoms of trauma and the \u201c4 F\u201d responses to it: fight, flight, freeze (shutting down) and fawn (also known as people-pleasing)<\/li>\n
  3. Responding<\/b> to the traumatized population\u2019s needs by creating policies, procedures, training and practices that better reflect our awareness of them\u00a0<\/li>\n
  4. Resisting<\/b> anything that might re-traumatize patients by triggering them with our words or actions, and being willing to make adjustments and accommodations<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cIn practice, that could mean something as simple as knocking on a door and waiting for a response before entering a patient\u2019s room, or asking if now is a good time to have a particular conversation,\u201d Pontarelli explains. \u201cIt could also mean pulling up a chair and sitting next to a patient to talk, rather than towering over them while you remain standing. The idea is to build trust with our words and actions, so we can get to a place where patients feel safe, empowered and in control.\u201d<\/p>\n

    The six core principles of trauma-informed care<\/b><\/p>\n

    To build that foundation of trust, trauma-informed care relies on these six core principles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Safety<\/b><\/p>\n

    This encompasses physical, emotional, social and moral safety. It also includes psychological safety.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \u201cWe want people to know that they can make mistakes here without fear of punishment,\u201d says Pontarelli. \u201cIn that context, no question is ever silly or dumb.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Empowerment\/voice\/choice<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is about providing the patient with choices and empowering them to engage in the decision-making process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \u201cSomeone who has been a victim of domestic violence<\/a> may have difficulty advocating for themselves,\u201d Pontarelli explains. \u201cThis can become ethically problematic down the road, so it\u2019s extremely important that we use trauma-informed care techniques to empower these individuals and provide them with a sense of control over their care.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Collaboration\/mutuality<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is more about leveling the playing field and correcting power imbalances.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \u201cDoctors may be the experts in medicine, but everyone is an expert in their own lives,\u201d says Pontarelli. \u201cPatients and care teams are partners, so this is a shared decision-making situation. We\u2019re all equals here.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Peer support<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is about making sure patients have the resources they need to be successful, and reducing as many of their stressors as we can.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    One example is in the communication leading up to and during a patient\u2019s appointment. \u201cOur goal is to be as transparent as possible to reduce any unnecessary worry<\/a>,\u201d Pontarelli says.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    Trustworthiness\/transparency<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is about ensuring our interactions with patients remain honest, predictable, friendly and consistent.\u00a0<\/p>\n

    \u201cOne good example is narrating what we\u2019re doing whenever we have to touch a patient,\u201d suggests Pontarelli. \u201cWe might say something like, \u2018I\u2019m going to place my left hand on your lower back to help you sit up. Is that OK?,\u2019 or, \u2018Is it OK if I take your hand?\u2019 We want to be as clear and predictable as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

    This is especially true for patients who have a history of sexual or physical assault or some other personal boundary violation involving consent or bodily autonomy. We want them to know that they will be treated sensitively and respectfully here.<\/p>\n

    Humility and responsiveness<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is about responding to people of all backgrounds with respect in a way that recognizes and affirms their inherent worth.<\/p>\n

    \u201cIt\u2019s important to avoid making assumptions,\u201d Pontarelli explains. \u201cEven unintentionally, we may have preconceived ideas that can contribute to re\u2011traumatization. Using open\u2011ended questions and practicing active listening helps us provide care that is truly trauma\u2011informed.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Trauma-informed care depends on strong communication techniques<\/b><\/p>\n

    Good communication plays an integral role in all of these situations. To foster that, healthcare workers can use the following skills to refine their delivery of trauma-informed care.<\/p>\n