Patient-centered Radiology: Implementing a Trauma-informed Care Framework

The authors present a framework for integrating trauma-informed care principles into radiologic procedures. Trauma-informed care is an approach that acknowledges the widespread impact of psychological trauma, incorporating this understanding into health care practices to prioritize patient safety, trust, and support while minimizing the risk of retraumatization. Given the high prevalence of psychological trauma among patients, radiologic procedures-some of which can be physically and emotionally distressing, such as breast biopsies, hysterosalpingography, and fluoroscopic enemas-must be approached with sensitivity. However, despite the growing awareness of trauma-informed care in health care, there is limited literature specifically addressing its application in the field of radiology. Without established frameworks, radiologists and imaging staff may unintentionally overlook critical aspects of patient-centered care, increasing the risk of psychological retraumatization. The authors aim to bridge that gap by providing a structured approach to implementing trauma-informed care in radiology. They outline key principles, including clear communication, patient autonomy, environmental modifications, and procedural adjustments, to foster a sense of safety and control. Additionally, they offer actionable recommendations for before, during, and after imaging examinations-the START, CARES, and FOLLOW framework-to enhance patient comfort and trust. By incorporating trauma-informed strategies and considering barriers to implementation, radiologists and imaging teams can improve patient experiences, foster stronger provider-patient relationships, and ultimately contribute to more compassionate, patient-centered care. Given the integral role of radiology in modern medicine, these considerations are crucial to ensuring equitable and supportive health care for all patients, particularly those with a history of psychological trauma. ^©RSNA, 2025 Supplemental material is available for this article.