Trauma-informed healthcare systems: an evaluation of trauma-informed care training for hospital-based healthcare professionals in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes in Türkiye

Disasters are complex global problems with an increasing impact with rising prevalence of associated illness, mortality, and intensifying health inequities. In recent years, there has been an emphasis on integrating trauma-informed care approaches into health policies and protocols. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the benefits of a trauma-informed healthcare training program for hospital-based healthcare providers with a focus on knowledge acquisition, empowerment of professional practice, and personal well-being. The program was implemented in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye. The training consisted of four modules, developed based on psychological trauma theories and behavior change theories, and was evaluated using a mixed-methods approach. Assessments were conducted at the end of the training program, at baseline, and at a 6-month follow-up. A structured questionnaire including items covering the content of the training, trainer effectiveness, and program suitability was administered at the end of the training program. At 6 months, participants completed an 18-item follow-up questionnaire which assessed their understanding of the principles of the trauma-informed care approach. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MTI) was also administered, and themes regarding the impact of the training program were extracted through in-depth individual qualitative interviews. Data were obtained from 501 program participants. The intervention program was found to improve healthcare workers' understanding of trauma, professional practices, and interpersonal relationships, and significantly reduced symptoms of burnout. These results demonstrate the critical role of trauma-informed training programs in hospitals in disaster-affected regions, especially when assistance to survivors will be enhanced by strengthening healthcare workers' resilience and improving their perceptions of service efficacy and value. The study highlights the need for more widespread adoption of these training initiatives and emphasizes that they may play significant future roles in transforming trauma-informed healthcare systems in disaster-prone countries and regions.