Trauma-Informed Approaches in Pelvic Health: Exploratory Understandings of Adverse Childhood Experiences, Trauma, and Trauma-Informed Care

Abstract

Background: Although pelvic floor clinicians (PFCs) typically approach evaluations and interventions through a client-centered lens, trauma-informed care (TIC) is a relatively new clinical approach. Because of the high prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adult traumatic experiences among clients with pelvic floor dysfunction and complex pelvic pain, TIC should be integrated into all pelvic health practices. Objectives: This study explores PFCs' current understanding of ACEs, trauma, and TIC. Study Design: Exploratory concurrent. Methods: When recruiting PFCs, purposive and convenience sampling methods were administered. There was no minimum or maximum age, sex, or gender requirement, and all races and ethnicities were encouraged to participate. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded, abiding by phenomenological methodology. Results: Each research question was exceedingly addressed through both the survey and qualitative interview responses. Conclusion: This study outlines how PFCs actively translate a trauma-informed framework into their clinical practices while revealing their most prevalent areas of improvement, areas of future growth, and urgency for collaboration across the specialty.