Integrating a trauma recovery center into an urban hospital setting serving multiply marginalized patients in the Southeastern United States.

BACKGROUND

Few interpersonal violence survivors receive psychosocial services, and those who are multiply marginalized are among the least likely to receive needed care. Trauma recovery centers (TRCs) aim to reduce health disparities by increasing access to trauma-focused care. This study describes the initial adoption, implementation, and reach of the first TRC in the southeastern USA.

METHODS

Funding was awarded to support the adoption of the Grady TRC within an urban safety net hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, and interdisciplinary collaboration was leveraged to support implementation. The electronic health records of 3,238 adult patients seeking medical care were screened for TRC eligibility to determine the program's reach (2020-2023).

RESULTS

53% (n = 1,712) of patients were eligible for TRC services; of these, 16.8% completed TRC intake assessments (n = 288; 84.4% Black, 58.3% female, 47.1% referred for gunshot wounds). Most TRC patients (68.1%; n = 196) screened positive for probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); many endorsed severe anxiety (44.8%, n = 129) or depressive (23.6%, n = 68) symptoms. Most reported no/low alcohol and drug use.

CONCLUSIONS

A demonstrable need for trauma-focused services was found among violence-exposed patients seeking public healthcare. Integrating the TRC model into institutions serving multiply marginalized patients may help increase access to trauma-focused care for those who may not otherwise receive it.