Trauma Informed Care: DEF Framework

You've heard of ACEs and ABCs, but what about DEF? Here we learn about trauma-informed care.This episode was written by pediatric resident Mallika Iyer-Horiuchi with content support from pediatricians Tammy Yau, Lidia Park, and Jihey Park (general pediatrics). Pediatricians Tammy and Lidia take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.Follow us on Twitter/X @Pediagogypod, Instagram/Threads @pediagogy, Bluesky @pediagogypodcast.bluesky.social, and connect with us at [email protected] PointsTrauma informed care improves patient interactions and outcomes. Remember the mnemonic DEF which stands for treat Distress, support Emotions, include the Family.”Pain, fear, and uncertainty can amplify trauma responses—treating distress quickly improves both cooperation and recovery.Clear explanations, caregiver presence, and simple coping strategies can significantly reduce pediatric medical traumatic stress.Caregivers’ stress affects the child’s recovery—supporting the family supports the patient.Sources:James Duffee, Moira Szilagyi, Heather Forkey, Erin T. Kelly; COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY PEDIATRICS, COUNCIL ON FOSTER CARE, ADOPTION, AND KINSHIP CARE, COUNCIL ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, COMMITTEE ON PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF CHILD AND FAMILY HEALTH, Trauma-Informed Care in Child Health Systems. Pediatrics August 2021; 148 (2): e2021052579. 10.1542/peds.2021-052579https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/d-e-f-framework-trauma-informed-carehttps://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/sites/default/files/images/pdf/DEFpocketcards.pdf  https://www.nctsn.org/