{"id":1506,"date":"2023-04-28T00:54:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-28T00:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=1506"},"modified":"2025-10-31T11:00:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-31T19:00:40","slug":"how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Trauma-Informed Care in Treating Sexual Assault Victims"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#What_is_trauma-informed_care\" >What is trauma-informed care?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#What_are_the_principles_of_trauma-informed_care\" >What are the principles of trauma-informed care?&nbsp;<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Safety\" >Safety&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Trustworthiness_and_Transparency\" >Trustworthiness and Transparency&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Empowerment_and_Choice\" >Empowerment and Choice&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Collaboration\" >Collaboration&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Cultural_Historical_and_Gender_Issues\" >Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#How_to_Screen_for_Trauma_Using_a_Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire_BTQ\" >How to Screen for Trauma Using a Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ)&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Childhood_Trauma_and_the_ACES_Assessment_Tool\" >Childhood Trauma and the ACES Assessment Tool<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Is_treating_a_victim_of_sexual_assault_different_than_treating_other_traumatized_patients\" >Is treating a victim of sexual assault different than treating other traumatized patients?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Tips_on_Treating_Traumatized_Patients\" >Tips on Treating Traumatized Patients&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Why_use_a_trauma-informed_care_approach\" >Why use a trauma-informed care approach?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Compassion_Understanding_and_Healing_After_Trauma\" >Compassion, Understanding, and Healing After Trauma<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Key_Takeaways\" >Key Takeaways<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Contributors\" >Contributors<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#Resources\" >Resources<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\/#References\" >References &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>We&#8217;re discussing <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong>; what it is, how to apply it, and why it should be central to how all healthcare professionals interact with and manage care for <strong>sexual assault survivors<\/strong> and patients who have experienced <strong>trauma<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For millions of people, experiencing <strong>trauma<\/strong> leads to complex physical and emotional health issues that can take months (or even years) to resolve. <strong>Trauma from a sexual assault<\/strong> has an added layer of complexity in that it often affects a survivor&#8217;s <strong>self-esteem<\/strong>, levels of <strong>self-criticism<\/strong>, and <strong>attachment style<\/strong>. In using\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Trauma-_and_stressor-related_disorders:_Clinical_practice\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">trauma-informed care<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>principles to recognize, acknowledge, and respond to trauma in an appropriate and beneficial way, <strong>doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals<\/strong> can make a positive difference in <strong>patient outcomes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-trauma-informed-care\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_trauma-informed_care\"><\/span>What is trauma-informed care?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While no one person or organization is credited with the development of <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong>, a research paper by mental health practitioners <strong>Maxine Harris<\/strong> and <strong>Roger Fallot<\/strong> in 2001 was published with the goal of educating child welfare, criminal justice, and healthcare providers on the best ways to work with <strong>trauma survivors<\/strong>. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2001-00826-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>paper<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0provided healthcare professionals with a structured approach to treating patients who&#8217;ve lived through a traumatic experience resulting in severe damage to their <strong>spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Australian National Trauma-Informed Care &amp; Practice Advisory Group<\/strong> notes that <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong> &#8220;\u2026acknowledges and clearly articulates that no one understands the challenges of the recovery journey from trauma better than the person living it. This requires that practitioners are attuned to a person&#8217;s experience and the dynamics of trauma and acknowledge, respect, and validate that experience.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The primary goal of <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong> is to interact with patients in ways that don&#8217;t further traumatize them by shifting the conversation from &#8220;<strong>what&#8217;s wrong with you<\/strong>&#8221; (e.g., blaming the patient by directly or indirectly implying that they&#8217;re responsible for their traumatizing event) to &#8220;<strong>what happened to you<\/strong>&#8221; (both the traumatizing event as well as a personal history) to provide the most effective care and support possible. <strong>Reframing the narrative<\/strong> is the first step to providing practitioners with a supportive framework for addressing survivors&#8217; needs and concerns. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-are-the-principles-of-trauma-informed-care\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_principles_of_trauma-informed_care\"><\/span>What are the principles of trauma-informed care?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By using <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong>, clinicians can avoid further traumatizing survivors so that patients can focus on <strong>resilience and recovery<\/strong>. While there&#8217;s no single model, there are fundamental principles that guide <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safety\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Safety\"><\/span>Safety&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First and foremost, address the <strong>physical and emotional safety<\/strong> of the patient. Show <strong>empathy and respect<\/strong> to demonstrate that you are a safe person to interact with. Make sure that common areas are <strong>welcoming<\/strong> and <strong>privacy is respected<\/strong>. <strong>Stay calm. Listen to them. Talk with them (rather than at them).<\/strong> And, whenever possible, <strong>don&#8217;t leave survivors by themselves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"trustworthiness-and-transparency\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trustworthiness_and_Transparency\"><\/span>Trustworthiness and Transparency&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To build and maintain <strong>trust<\/strong>, make sure the reasons for all decisions and treatments are <strong>transparent<\/strong> to the patient. Provide <strong>clear and detailed information<\/strong> about the exam and treatment process, including <strong>explaining procedures, answering questions, and obtaining consent<\/strong> for every aspect of care. Survivors should also be informed about <strong>trauma&#8217;s potential physical and psychological effects<\/strong>, along with receiving <strong>mental health support and resources<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"empowerment-and-choice\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Empowerment_and_Choice\"><\/span>Empowerment and Choice&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By prioritizing <strong>choice and empowerment<\/strong>, you foster a respectful space that encourages <strong>efficacy, agency, and dignity<\/strong>. Take the time to provide clear and appropriate information to patients about their <strong>rights and responsibilities<\/strong>, which enables them to determine the <strong>direction of their care<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"collaboration\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Collaboration\"><\/span>Collaboration&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make a point of actively <strong>collaborating<\/strong> with traumatized patients. Because healing takes place in the meaningful <strong>sharing of power and decision-making<\/strong>, active collaboration with survivors helps provide them with a greater sense of <strong>well-being and security<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cultural-historical-and-gender-issues\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cultural_Historical_and_Gender_Issues\"><\/span>Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In preventing additional traumatization of survivors, it&#8217;s vital to consider their specific needs based on their <strong>culture, history, and gender<\/strong>. To do that, clinicians and caregivers must actively work on addressing and moving past <strong>stereotypes and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/2020\/09\/28\/make-yourself-comfortable-how-to-be-aware-of-your-implicit-biases\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">biases<\/a><\/strong>, provide <strong>gender-responsive services<\/strong>, and recognize and address <strong>historical trauma<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/07\/Brief-Trauma-Questionnaire.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\" noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"902\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?w=902\" alt=\"Brief Trauma Questionnaire \n\nThe following questions ask about events that may be extraordinarily stressful or disturbing for almost everyone. Please circle &quot;Yes&quot; or &quot;No&quot; to report what has happened to you. \n\nIf you answer &quot;Yes&quot; for an event, please answer any additional questions that are listed on the right side of the page to report: (1) whether you thought your life was in danger or you might be seriously injured; and (2) whether you were seriously injured. \n\nWhat to Consider:\nHas this ever happened to you? \nIf the event happened, did you think your life was in danger or you might be seriously injured? \nIf the event happened, were you seriously injured? \n\nIf you answer &quot;No&quot; for an event, move on to the next event. \n\nEvent \n\n1. Have you ever served in a war zone, or have you ever served in a noncombat job that exposed you to war-related casualties (for example, as a medic or on graves registration duty?) \n\n2. Have you ever been in a serious car accident, or a serious accident at work or somewhere else? \n\n3. Have you ever been in a major natural or technological disaster, such as a fire, tornado, hurricane, flood, earthquake, or a chemical spill? \n\n4. Have you ever had a life-threatening illness such as cancer, a heart attack, leukemia, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, etc.? \n\n5. Before age 18, were you ever physically punished or beaten by a parent, caretaker, or teacher so that: you were very frightened; or you thought you would be injured; or you received bruises, cuts, welts, lumps or other injuries? \n\n6. Not including any punishments or beatings you already reported in Question 5, have you ever been attacked, beaten, or mugged by anyone, including friends, family members or strangers? \n\n7. Has anyone ever made or pressured you into having some type of unwanted sexual contact? Note: By sexual contact we mean any contact between someone else and your private parts or between you and some else's private parts.\n\n8. Have you ever been in any other situation in which you were seriously injured, or have you ever been in any other situation in which you feared you might be seriously injured or killed? \n\n9. Has a close family member or friend died violently, for example, in  a serious car crash, mugging, or attack? \n\n10. Have you ever witnessed a situation in which someone was seriously injured or killed, or have you ever witnessed a situation in which you feared someone would be seriously injured or killed? Note: Do not answer &quot;yes&quot; for any event you already reported in Questions 1-9.\n\nSource: National Center for PTSD\" class=\"wp-image-6633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png 3529w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?resize=264,300 264w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?resize=768,872 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?resize=902,1024 902w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?resize=1352,1536 1352w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire.png?resize=1803,2048 1803w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 902px) 100vw, 902px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Want to use this Brief Trauma Questionnaire? Download a PDF version by clicking on the above image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-screen-for-trauma-using-a-brief-trauma-questionnaire-btq\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Screen_for_Trauma_Using_a_Brief_Trauma_Questionnaire_BTQ\"><\/span>How to Screen for Trauma Using a Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ)&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The use of <strong>trauma screening<\/strong> is a crucial part of identifying and treating survivors, helping to ensure they receive the right kind of care. A good screening tool for trauma is the <strong>Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ)<\/strong>, which has been used with a range of populations and found to be a reliable way to measure <strong>exposure to trauma<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>BTQ<\/strong> aims to assess the types of traumas a patient may have experienced, including <strong>physical assault, sexual assault<\/strong>, and <strong>witnessing violence<\/strong>. The <strong>BTQ<\/strong> also assesses <strong>mental health challenges<\/strong> such as <strong>anxiety, depression<\/strong>, and <strong>post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/strong> and can be used in various healthcare settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" height=\"1024\" width=\"796\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png?w=796\" alt=\"A hospital therapist gently interviews a child who may have been assaulted. The child sits on the exam table with the therapist close by, holding a clipboard to take notes.\" class=\"wp-image-6455\" style=\"width:321px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png?resize=233,300 233w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png?resize=768,988 768w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png?resize=796,1024 796w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/trauma-abuse-child-intervew.png?resize=1195,1536 1195w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"childhood-trauma-and-the-ACES-assessment-tool\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Childhood_Trauma_and_the_ACES_Assessment_Tool\"><\/span>Childhood Trauma and the ACES Assessment Tool<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Research supports that patients who have experienced trauma have an increased risk of <strong>adverse health outcomes<\/strong> such as\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/a>, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, cardiovascular disease, <\/strong>and <strong>diabetes<\/strong>. It&#8217;s important for healthcare providers to be aware of these potential health risks and integrate an approach that incorporates <strong>trauma-informed care principles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following <strong>screening questions<\/strong> (with rationales that healthcare providers can consider when incorporating <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong>) are used to identify individuals who have experienced trauma and may be at risk for adverse health outcomes. Following <strong>trauma-informed care principles<\/strong>, these questions should be asked in a <strong>sensitive and non-judgmental manner<\/strong> and should be tailored to the individual&#8217;s unique experiences and needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Have you ever experienced a traumatic event or events?<\/strong> This question is open-ended and allows the individual to share their experiences in their own words.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever experienced physical or sexual abuse?<\/strong> This question is more specific and can help to identify individuals who have experienced abuse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever witnessed violence or been in a dangerous situation?<\/strong> This question can help to identify individuals who have experienced trauma as a result of exposure to violence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever had symptoms of anxiety or depression?<\/strong> This question can help to identify individuals who may be experiencing psychological symptoms as a result of trauma.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever had trouble sleeping or nightmares?<\/strong> This question can help to identify individuals who may be experiencing sleep disturbances as a result of trauma.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever used drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or emotions?<\/strong> This question can help to identify individuals who may be using substances as a coping mechanism for trauma.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Have you ever had thoughts of harming yourself or others?<\/strong> This question can help to identify individuals who may be at risk for self-harm or harm to others as a result of trauma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This list isn&#8217;t comprehensive and should be adapted to the individual&#8217;s unique experiences and needs. If the patient is currently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/learn\/Physical_and_sexual_abuse\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>being abused<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or has a past risk factor, it&#8217;s vital that healthcare providers are able to <strong>identify appropriate resources and support<\/strong> for individuals who have experienced trauma. <strong>Trauma-informed care approaches<\/strong> can help to ensure that individuals receive the <strong>care and support<\/strong> they need to <strong>heal and recover<\/strong>.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans?source_cta=blog-navbar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-treating-a-victim-of-sexual-assault-different-than-treating-other-traumatized-patients\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_treating_a_victim_of_sexual_assault_different_than_treating_other_traumatized_patients\"><\/span>Is treating a victim of sexual assault different than treating other traumatized patients?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Overall, whether you&#8217;re treating a survivor of a sexual assault or another type of trauma, the basic principles of <strong>trauma-informed care<\/strong> apply. However, when it comes to successfully establishing a constructive caregiver-patient relationship with a survivor of sexual assault, one factor stands out:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/academicmedicine\/Fulltext\/2022\/08000\/Encouraging_Trauma_Informed_Care_of_Sexual_Assault.18.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>clinician comfort<\/strong><\/a>. Many medical students and clinical practitioners lack the confidence to interact effectively with survivors and are uncomfortable conducting <strong>forensic examinations<\/strong>. Fortunately, the solution is simple: provide additional <strong>education and training<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some additional factors to consider when treating a survivor of sexual assault:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Patients who have been sexually assaulted<\/strong> often feel ashamed, blaming themselves for what&#8217;s happened. <strong>Reassure them that it&#8217;s not their fault<\/strong> and they did nothing to deserve what&#8217;s happened to them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reassure survivors that you believe them.<\/strong> Remind them that it takes a lot of courage to seek treatment.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Let them know they&#8217;re not alone.<\/strong> Be sure to offer <strong>mental health resources<\/strong> and, if available, access to <strong>onsite counseling services<\/strong>. Share resources from\u00a0<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rainn.org\/articles\/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">RAINN<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and other victim advocacy organizations.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Be patient.<\/strong> Trauma triggers a range of potential reactions, many of them counterintuitive to what we may expect. Don&#8217;t be surprised to encounter <strong>numbness, disassociation, confusion, anxiety, arousal, or agitation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"614\" height=\"801\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/patient-crying-upset.png\" alt=\"Woman sitting in a chair looking very upset and positioned at the edge of her seat. \" class=\"wp-image-6459\" style=\"width:287px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/patient-crying-upset.png 614w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/04\/patient-crying-upset.png?resize=230,300 230w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"tips-on-treating-traumatized-patients\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tips_on_Treating_Traumatized_Patients\"><\/span>Tips on Treating Traumatized Patients&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Listen<\/strong> and encourage survivors to share their reactions when they&#8217;re ready. Show <strong>empathy<\/strong> and offer support by not questioning or dismissing their experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Keep them safe.<\/strong> While it may seem obvious, it&#8217;s crucial patients are moved to a <strong>secure, private location<\/strong> away from any potential danger. It&#8217;s especially important for victims of sexual assault and violent crime since their attacker may be in the vicinity.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With their <strong>consent<\/strong>, perform a <strong>medical examination<\/strong> to determine if any <strong>physical injuries<\/strong> need to be addressed. If the patient is a victim of sexual assault, make sure to rule out <strong>sexually transmitted diseases<\/strong> or <strong>pregnancy<\/strong>. <strong>Offer emergency contraception<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offer mental health support and resources.<\/strong> The effects of trauma are unpredictable. Having mental health resources available can help patients take the necessary steps to cope with their trauma.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thoroughly document the evidence.<\/strong> If you&#8217;re treating a victim of assault, be prepared to <strong>report it to the police<\/strong> (healthcare workers are <strong>mandatory reporters<\/strong> in most places) and <strong>collect evidence<\/strong> in support of potential prosecution.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide follow-up care.<\/strong> Survivors will likely need additional care, whether it&#8217;s counseling and support services or further medical treatment. They may need clarification about what to do. <strong>Try to simplify and outline the next steps.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Actively share your knowledge.<\/strong> <strong>Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals<\/strong> should proactively <strong>educate themselves about trauma<\/strong> and its effects on patients (don&#8217;t wait for someone else to require it) and <strong>share that knowledge<\/strong> with their peers. \u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-use-a-trauma-informed-care-approach\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_use_a_trauma-informed_care_approach\"><\/span>Why use a trauma-informed care approach?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While further study of the application of <strong>trauma-informed principles<\/strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.3109\/01612840.2015.1025319\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">needs to be explored<\/a>, it has an <strong>observable range of benefits<\/strong> for patients and caregivers, including a <strong>reduction in avoidable care<\/strong> and <strong>additional costs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When survivors feel <strong>validated, supported, and heard<\/strong>, their level of engagement is higher, they <strong>adhere<\/strong> more readily to treatment and have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/pr2015197\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>better overall health outcomes<\/strong><\/a>. Most importantly, patients <strong>recover more quickly<\/strong> and have <strong>less trauma to process<\/strong> in the long run.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a caregiver practices a <strong>trauma-informed care approach<\/strong>, providers and staff not only benefit from <strong>lower levels of personal stress<\/strong> and an <strong>increased sense of wellness<\/strong> but also possess a <strong>proactive process<\/strong> to guide treatment, see <strong>lower levels of re-traumatization<\/strong> and <strong>negative patient encounters<\/strong>, and the <strong>overall quality of services and patient satisfaction increases<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"conclusion\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Compassion_Understanding_and_Healing_After_Trauma\"><\/span>Compassion, Understanding, and Healing After Trauma<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All trauma survivors deserve to be treated with <strong>care and respect<\/strong> while recovering from the <strong>physical and mental challenges<\/strong> of their experiences. By instituting and applying <strong>trauma-informed care practices<\/strong>, clinicians offer <strong>sexual assault survivors<\/strong> and other <strong>traumatized patients<\/strong> the best possible care and support, laying the groundwork for <strong>better outcomes<\/strong> for everyone involved. And when we know better, we have an obligation to do better. If you or someone else have concerns about sexual assault or domestic violence, find help in your area through the<strong>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nomoredirectory.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">No More directory<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>National Sexual Assault Hotline (Open 24 hours):\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/websearch\/answer\/11180375\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"tel:18006564673\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">1-800-656-4673<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways\"><\/span>Key Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trauma-informed care prioritizes safety, trust, empowerment, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Shift focus from \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d to \u201cWhat happened to you?\u201d to support healing.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use tools like the Brief Trauma Questionnaire for sensitive trauma screening.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sexual assault survivors need reassurance, belief, privacy, and access to mental health resources.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trauma-informed approaches improve patient outcomes and reduce re-traumatization in healthcare.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contributors\"><\/span>Contributors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/profile\/Maria-Pfrommer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Maria Pfrommer<\/a>, DNP, Ph.D., FNP-BC, RN,&nbsp;<\/strong>Director of Nursing Education at Osmosis<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Steph Stevens,<\/strong> Brand Marketing Lead, Osmosis from Elsevier<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Resources\"><\/span>Resources<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1555415520304748\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1555415520304748<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2001-00826-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2001-00826-001<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rainn.org\/articles\/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.rainn.org\/articles\/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/academicmedicine\/Fulltext\/2022\/08000\/Encouraging_Trauma_Informed_Care_of_Sexual_Assault.18.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/academicmedicine\/Fulltext\/2022\/08000\/Encouraging_Trauma_Informed_Care_of_Sexual_Assault.18.aspx<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.3109\/01612840.2015.1025319\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.tandfonline.com\/doi\/abs\/10.3109\/01612840.2015.1025319<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/pr2015197\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/pr2015197<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/orr\/infographics\/6_principles_trauma_info.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/orr\/infographics\/6_principles_trauma_info.htm<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207191\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK207191\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/noviolence.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Trauma-Practice-Paper-FINAL-002.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/noviolence.org.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Trauma-Practice-Paper-FINAL-002.pdf<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2022\/09\/sexual-assault-patients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.apa.org\/monitor\/2022\/09\/sexual-assault-patients<\/a>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References &nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bateman, J &amp; Henderson, C 2011, &#8216;Trauma Informed Care and Practice, Consultation on the development of a national approach to Trauma \u2013 Informed Care and Practice (TICP)&#8217;, Mental Health Coordinating Council, Sydney<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2014). Trauma-informed care in behavioral health services. Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 57. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kimerling, R., Trafton, J. A., Nguyen, B., &amp; Street, A. E. (2006). Diagnostic accuracy of a brief screening measure for PTSD: The Brief Trauma Questionnaire. Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 8(6), 344-348.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., &amp; Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. Guilford Publications.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>US Department of Veterans Affairs. (2018). Trauma-informed care for healthcare providers. National Center for PTSD.&nbsp;Breslau, N. (2009). The epidemiology of trauma, PTSD, and other posttrauma disorders. Trauma, Violence, &amp; Abuse, 10(3), 198-210.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dube, S. R., Anda, R. F., Felitti, V. J., Edwards, V. J., &amp; Williamson, D. F. (2002). Exposure to abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction among adults who witnessed intimate partner violence as children: implications for health and social services. Violence and Victims, 17(1), 3-17.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., &amp; Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tolin, D. F., &amp; Foa, E. B. (2006). Sex differences in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder: A quantitative review of 25 years of research. Psychological Bulletin, 132(6), 959-992.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/create\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Blog_Display_Ads_MD1_2023.png?w=700\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Blog_Display_Ads_MD1_2023.png 700w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/06\/Blog_Display_Ads_MD1_2023.png?resize=300,107 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Access your&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/login?type=create\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>&nbsp;now to discover why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore the principles and benefits of trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors and trauma patients, emphasizing empathy, safety, and effective communication.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":211,"featured_media":1507,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[27,10,12,14,18,867,28,30,37,32],"tags":[944,572,2131,147,2128,265,2125,458,676,149,328,156,977,978,975,2127,2132,2130,2129,2126,976,974],"class_list":["post-1506","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medicine","category-clinical-skills","category-communication","category-dental","category-equity-diversity-and-inclusion","category-lpn","category-mental-health","category-np","category-pa","category-nursing","tag-clinician-training","tag-empathy","tag-forensic-nursing","tag-healthcare-communication","tag-healthcare-empathy","tag-healthcare-training","tag-healthcare-trauma","tag-mental-health","tag-mental-health-resources","tag-patient-care","tag-patient-empowerment","tag-patient-safety","tag-ptsd","tag-sensitive-care","tag-sexual-assault","tag-sexual-assault-survivors","tag-sexual-assault-treatment","tag-trauma-assessment","tag-trauma-care-principles","tag-trauma-recovery","tag-trauma-screening","tag-trauma-informed-care"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How to Use Trauma-Informed Care in Treating Sexual Assault Victims - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Use Trauma-Informed Care in Treating Sexual Assault Victims - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the principles and benefits of trauma-informed care for sexual assault survivors and trauma patients, emphasizing empathy, safety, and effective communication.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/how-to-use-trauma-informed-care-in-treating-sexual-assault-victims\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-04-28T00:54:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-31T19:00:40+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/58.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1081\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Maria Pfrommer, DNP, Ph.D., FNP-BC, RN &amp; 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