Trauma-informed care at a forensic mental health ward

A quality improvement change project on a female inpatient forensic mental health ward used trauma-informed care principles to improve experiences for staff and service users.

Abstract

This, the first of two related articles, discusses a successful quality-improvement project at a female inpatient mental health ward. Quality-improvement methodology and coproduction with service users were crucial, as the team was able to measure the impact of change as it happened. The project improved standards for staff and service users. The second article outlines how the forensic mental health ward addressed gender inequalities and improved health promotion for women.

Citation: Hearn E, Brittin K (2023) Trauma-informed care at a forensic mental health ward. Nursing Times [online]; 119: 12.

Author: Elizabeth Hearn is consultant nurse, Katherine Brittin is associate director of quality improvement; both at East London NHS Foundation Trust.