Psychosocial Barriers to Care: Recognizing and Responding Through a Trauma-Informed Care Approach

Healthcare providers caring for patients undergoing intensive oncologic care may experience challenges related to psychosocial barriers to care, which can negatively affect access to treatment and health outcomes. Recognizing and responding to these barriers caused by the experience of adversity and trauma are important considerations to ensure safe and effective patient care. The objective of this article is to demonstrate how a trauma-informed approach can be used to develop supportive interventions. Consideration of this approach not only ensures high-quality patient care, but also promotes health equity by navigating the difficult barriers that may have prevented access to care.

AT A GLANCE

• Healthcare professionals working with people experiencing psychosocial barriers to care should understand the impact of adversity and trauma on healthcare outcomes.
• An interprofessional team is needed to address the complexities of patient care through a trauma-informed lens.
• Healthcare providers do not need to be experts in the treatment of trauma to work in a trauma-informed way.