Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Experiencing trauma can cause significant emotional distress and subsequent impairment to a person’s ability to live a satisfying life, yet it is highly common among the general population. Some who experience trauma will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result, which can have serious consequences on their physical, emotional, cognitive and financial wellbeing.

This Ausmed Course provides healthcare professionals with a refreshed and up-to-date understanding of the difference between trauma and PTSD and how providing trauma-informed care, regardless of the setting, can drastically improve patient outcomes and wellbeing.

Registered nurses, mental health nurses, paramedics and other healthcare workers looking to increase their understanding of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and providing trauma-informed care.

It is estimated that up to 75% of Australians have experienced a traumatic event at some point in their lifetime. In 2020-21, 5.7% of the Australian population had experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

However, stigmas and other barriers regularly prevent help-seeking for people living with a mental health diagnosis. Additionally, research indicates that nurses also commonly self-report insufficient knowledge and low self-efficacy regarding PTSD education and training.

The provision of comprehensive mental health education is vital for reducing stigma, and through the integration of trauma education, clinicians can be better prepared to address this prevalent issue and improve patient outcomes and overall wellbeing.

It is therefore essential that healthcare professionals are equipped with the necessary knowledge to identify, support and provide effective trauma-informed care for all individuals, and especially those living with PTSD, in order to improve their care and outcomes.

To empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge and compassion to provide trauma-informed care and support to individuals living with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and Australian guidelines.