Trauma-informed care is a framework for service provision that recognises the impact of psychological trauma on the experience of people receiving care. Research on trauma-informed care in cancer services is underway. However, a strategically integrated set of priorities for research and implementation in the Australian context is lacking. The first Australian Trauma Informed Cancer Care Conference in October 2024 in Newcastle NSW provided an opportunity for a diverse range of community representatives and health care workers to identify priorities for further action and research.
After keynote presentations, the 77 individuals attending the conferences were invited to break into small groups related to their area of practice. These small groups were asked to consider what changes could be made to progress towards trauma-informed cancer care by way of changes to individual practice, changes in a service/team, and changes in a hospital/health agency. Participants were also asked to consider what initiatives they were willing to take action on as a result of attending the conference. Responses were ranked thematically, and key themes emerged.
Themes from small group discussions included the importance of:
Australian health professionals working in cancer care are seeking both education about trauma informed care, and guidance on integrating trauma-informed practices into their cancer services. There is a need for leading Australian cancer advocacy and research organisations as well as health services to engage with and implement trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care is key to improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer treatment in Australia, and Australian health professionals are ready to extend.