Measurement of Patient-Level Outcomes After Implementation of Trauma-Informed Care Training in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma-informed care has been posited as a framework to optimize patient care and engagement, but there is a paucity of data on patient-level outcomes after trauma-informed care training in health care settings. We sought to measure patient-level outcomes after a painful procedure after implementation of trauma-informed care training for ED staff. METHODS: As part of a quality improvement initiative, we trained 110 ED providers in trauma-informed care. Next, we prospectively recruited patients who had undergone a painful procedure to complete a survey to assess several patient-level outcomes, such as anxiety reduction and overall experience of care. We compared differences in patient outcomes for those who were treated by providers in the trauma-informed care intervention group with those who were treated by providers who did not complete the training (usual care). RESULTS: One-hundred forty-seven adult patients completed survey measures (n = 76 trauma-informed care intervention group; n = 71 usual care group) over a 1-month period. Most patients offered the highest rating for all ED staff-related questions. We found no significant differences in assessment of patient-reported outcomes based on intervention versus usual care. DISCUSSION: Our trauma-informed care training did not seem to have a significant effect on our selected patient outcomes. This may be caused by the training itself or the challenges in measurement of the patient-level impact of trauma-informed care training owing to the study design, setting, and lack of standardized tools. Recommendations for future study of trauma-informed care training and measuring its direct impact on patients in the ED setting are discussed.

Recognition of patterned molecular ink with phage displayed peptides.

The development of a reliable method for patterning and recognizing molecular inks could enable exciting avenues in fundamental research and novel applications. Phage display is a powerful method for identifying peptides that possess enhanced selectivity and binding affinity toward a variety of targets. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the immobilization and recognition of a small molecular ink with screened phage displayed peptides. Our approach is based on a unique mix of comprehensive phage displayed peptide screening processes, along with novel micropatterning techniques. These results, combined with the large variety of available inks and surface chemistries, could open up opportunities in cell biology, nanomaterials self-assembly, selective sensors, and even energy storage applications.