Document Type
DNP Project
Department
School of Nursing
Date of Degree
Spring 2024
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Primary Advisor
Dr. Mercedes Echevarria
Keywords
Trauma-informed care, ACEs, TIC education, policy, advocacy, nursing
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of trauma exposure poses a significant concern for public health. Extensive research has established the correlation between trauma and adverse health consequences. Studies indicate that adopting trauma-informed care (TIC) can enhance satisfaction, communication, and overall patient health outcomes. However, the current state of TIC education in academic programs and professional practice settings needs to be improved.
Objectives: The goal of this policy analysis project was to devise specific language and strategies to promote the implementation of a TIC education mandate for Indiana nurses.
Methods: The design of this project was an analysis of governmental policies through an evidence-based model for policy change, which included eight key steps: identifying the issue, engaging stakeholders, assessing readiness, reaching out and educating, drafting policy, adopting policy, implementing policy, and evaluating its impact. The stakeholders in this project were the 2024 Indiana General Assembly and several professional organizations.
Results: Eighty-six Indiana legislators were contacted and provided with a TIC policy brief. Fifteen organizations across eleven states were identified and contacted. A systematic online search was conducted to identify sixty-three bills addressing TIC workforce training. Seven themes were identified: creating TI systems, upstream prevention, childcare/education, expanding behavioral health services, family support, reimbursement/financial, and supporting resilience. In October 2023, specific draft language for a proposed Indiana bill to mandate TIC education for nurses was drafted and shared with Senator Crider, who introduced Indiana Senate Bill 45 (2024) Trauma-Informed Care in January 2024.
Conclusions: Indiana has a record of bipartisan support when implementing TI initiatives despite the state's conservative political climate. The emphasis on TI systems in TIC workforce training legislation highlights the far-reaching impact of trauma and reinforces the necessity for multi-system approaches. The findings of this policy analysis revealed that employing an evidence-based policy change process, identifying effective strategies to introduce a TIC education mandate for Indiana nurses to lawmakers, and presenting well-crafted language to legislators were all instrumental in the successful proposal of Indiana Senate Bill 45 (2024) Trauma-Informed Care.
Copyright Notice
©2024 Lori Hardie. All rights reserved.
Recommended Citation
Hardie, L. (2024). Mandating Trauma-Informed Care Education for Indiana Nurses: A Health Policy Analysis. , (). Retrieved from https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/son_dnp/138
Open Access
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