Why Trauma-Informed Communication in Healthcare Isn’t Optional
As a trauma-informed counsellor, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of poorly delivered medical news. I once worked with a client who had a profound fear of dying. Every time they visited their oncologist, they would call me in floods of tears, barely able to breathe, let alone speak.
I remember arriving at their home one day to find them on the floor, struggling to catch their breath, their face streaked with fresh tears. A nosebleed had started from the sheer intensity of their distress. It took hours of grounding, breathing exercises, and gentle reassurance to calm their nervous system – to bring them back to a place where they felt safe enough to simply exist in their own body.
This wasn’t a one-off reaction. It happened every time they received difficult news, or even just a routine letter from the NHS. The stress of each appointment, each unopened envelope, felt like another small death – a repeated trauma that chipped away at their sense of hope and stability.
For the healthcare professional, it might be the hundredth time they’ve delivered a particular diagnosis, but for the patient, it’s often the first time they’re hearing life-altering news. That initial conversation sets the tone for their entire journey through treatment and recovery.
Poorly delivered news can:
• Trigger a fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response, making it difficult for patients to absorb critical information.
• Create a sense of hopelessness that can directly impact their immune system and overall health.
• Isolate them emotionally, making them less likely to reach out for support.
• Lead to physical symptoms of distress, like panic attacks, nosebleeds, or even heart palpitations.
Trauma-Informed Communication is Essential –
All professionals should be trauma-informed, regardless of how long they’ve been delivering difficult news. This isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential for the well-being of patients and their families. Words matter. Tone matters. The way we frame a conversation matters.
What Could This Look Like in Practice?
Imagine if, instead of a cold, clinical approach, the conversation began with:
“I have some challenging news to share, and I want you to know that we’re here to support you every step of the way. This might feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. We’ll work through this together.”
It’s not just face-to-face conversations that matter. I’ve had clients tell me they can’t even bear to open their NHS letters, knowing they might contain words like “cancer,” “terminal,” or “palliative care” – words that have the power to trigger a cascade of fear and despair.
Small Changes, Big Impact:
• Reframing “We regret to inform you…” as “We’d like to talk through some findings with you…”
• Choosing words that invite a sense of collaboration and hope, rather than delivering a blunt, one-way verdict.
• Including a simple, supportive line like “Please reach out if you’d like to discuss this further – we’re here to help.”
We can’t change the reality of a difficult diagnosis, but we can change how that reality is delivered. By choosing our words with care, we can reduce unnecessary suffering, empower patients, and support their capacity to cope and heal.
A Final Thought – The Human Side of Healing –
In the end, we are all more than our diagnoses. We are humans with rich histories, fears, hopes, and dreams. The way we talk to each other – especially in the hardest moments – should reflect that.
#RIPAlison