Module Details

Module Code: HLCR N9006
Full Title: Trauma Informed Care within Mental Health
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2024/25 ( September 2024 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 10
Module Owner::
  • Geraldine O'Connor
  • Kevin McKenna
Departments: Nursing Midwifery & Early Years
Module Description: Compelling evidence from a 2016 WHO led multi-national study reported both the scale and magnitude of lifetime exposure to trauma, with over two thirds of people having experienced at least one traumatic life event, and more than half having experienced two or more.
A later Irish study reporting lifetime exposure rates in excess of these WHO findings.
Exposure to trauma is associated with potentially serious adverse effects on physical and mental health, impacting educational, social, vocational, economic and interpersonal functioning across the life span.

The graded association between exposure to trauma and poor health and social outcomes is well established, with disproportionately higher numbers of trauma exposed persons utilizing mental health services.
Understandably, both professional and regulatory reports require that mental health providers deliver trauma informed services which incorporate an appreciation of the adverse impacts of trauma exposure, and are especially protective of further traumatization.
The aim of this module is to provide the learner with an opportunity to develop the knowledge and understanding of trauma required to competently integrate the theory and principles of trauma informed care into their practice.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Critically discuss and demonstrate understanding of the differentiation between the concepts of trauma as an lived experience, evidence based treatments following trauma exposure, and trauma informed care.
MLO2 Critically discuss biopsychosocial impacts of exposure to trauma accross the life span.
MLO3 Critically discuss neurobiological, somatic, and attachment theories underpinning contemporary understanding of trauma and the adverse biopsychosocial effects of trauma exposure
MLO4 Critically discuss the theoretical underpinnings and structural components of trauma informed care within the context of person-centred and recovery oriented mental health care
MLO5 Critically discuss the structural and strategic organisational implementation of trauma informed care within services providing services addressing the needs of persons who are experiencing mental and/or physical health challenges
MLO6 Critically reflect on professional boundaries, scope of practice, and the learner’s responsibility and accountability in the context of applying trauma informed care within their professional practice, including the role of clinical supervision and self care
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
Trauma and Complex Trauma
Trauma terminology, definitions and differentiations Understanding adversity and trauma exposure; Epigenetic, neurobiological, psychological, educational, ecomomic, social impacts on individuals across the lifespan. Physical and mental health adversities related to trauma exposure Biopsychosocial impacts of trauma exposure across the lifespan
Neurobiological Effects of Trauma Exposure:
Normal stress response mechanisms; Chronic and/or toxic stress; Stress sensitivity as a function of trauma exposure: Structure and function of brain. regulation of emotions including function of amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Heightened arousal and reactivity to stressors, impaired memory and cognitive function; difficulties with emotional regulation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis.
Autonomic Nervous System and Trauma Exposure:
Regulation of/by autonomic nervous system; polyvagal theory and regulating physiological responses – cardiac; respiratory; digestive; autonomic nervous system regulation of safety, regulation, and social engagement
Trauma Informed Care:
TIC principles including Events Experiences and Effects; Realization Recognition Responding and Resisting retraumatization; Collaborative working through safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity
Post traumatic growth
Neuroplasticity and reparative ability of brain; impact of positive relational and environmental adaptations; healing and recovery from trauma; -related symptoms interventions which promote reparative/restorative/adaptive experiences;
Treatment modalities with persons exposed to trauma;
Trauma related symptoms; Trauma focused therapies EMRD Trauma focused CBT; compassion focused therapy.
Ethical Legal and Reflective Practice:
Professional and ethical principles and standards Guidelines for provision of trauma-informed care. Cultural competence and diversity Professional boundaries; scope of practice; Clinical Supervision. Multidisciplinary team Work;
Preserving practitioner health and wellbeing:
Preserving practitioner health and wellbeing: self care; working effectively as a trauma informed practitioner; Vicarious trauma; Compassion fatigue; Mindfulness; Resilience; Reflective Practice Stress management;
Toward Universal Trauma Informed understanding
Unit based, organizational, system wide implementation Societal implementation of trauma informed communities
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work100.00%
Module Special Regulation
Successful completion of both assessment components is required

Assessments

Part-time

Course Work
Assessment Type Class Test % of Total Mark 30
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to undertake a in-class test comprising of MCQ and short answer questions to demonstrate knowledge of all components of course material
Assessment Type Continuous Assessment % of Total Mark 70
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 3,4,6
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will be required to complete a witten assignment of 2000 word which critically appraises the application of course learning within a professional practice context.
No Project
No Practical
No Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
No repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will be offered solely on the basis of coursework and a repeat examination will not be offered.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

This module has no Full-time workload.
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Online (Contact) Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Practical Contact Practical Workshops Twice per semester 0.27 2
Online (non-contact) Non Contact Asynchronous Every Week 1.50 1.5
Online (non-contact) Non Contact No Description Once per semester 6.67 100
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Once per semester 9.00 135
Total Weekly Learner Workload 19.43
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.27
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • SAMSHA Mental Health Service Administration. (2014), Treatment Improvement Protocol Trauma-Informed Care in Behaioral Health Service, TIP, 57, 1-319, SAMSHA Mental Health Service Administration, Wasington.
  • Karen Treisman. (2024), Trauma-Informed HeaTrauma-Informed Health Care: A Reflective Guide for Improving Care and Services, Jessica Kingsley Publishers., UK, [ISBN: 978-1839976148].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
  • Butler, L. D., Critelli, F. M., & Rinfrette, E. S.. (2011), Trauma-informed care and mental health., Directions in Psychiatry, 31(3), p.197.
  • Muskett, C.. (2014), Trauma‐informed care in inpatient mental health settings: A review of the literature., International journal of mental health nursing, 23(1), 51-59., p.5159.
  • Sweeney, A., Filson, B., Kennedy, A., Collinson, L., & Gillard, S.. (2018), Sweeney, A., Filson, B., KA paradigm shift: relationships in trauma-informed mental health services., BJPsych advances, 24(5), 319-333..
This module does not have any other resources