Healthcare providers routinely treat children and families from many different backgrounds. While a universal biological response to trauma exists, enthocultural factors affect children's and families':
- Vulnerability to trauma and traumatic stress
- Expression of distress and trauma symptoms
- Response to trauma treatment
- Help-seeking behaviors
- Communication with and between family members
- Willingness to disclose psychosocial information to providers
Considering the cultural background of patients helps providers implement trauma-informed care in a manner that considers a child and family's unique cultural beliefs, values, and practices. The Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress developed a cultural considerations component to the D-E-F protocol to give nurses and doctors tips in providing trauma-informed care in a culturally sensitive manner.
As a healthcare provider, do you alter the care you provide based on your patient's cultural background?