PASE Program

Trauma in the Trauma Resuscitation Bay

This project examines the patient experience within the trauma resuscitation bay, focusing on how high-acuity clinical environments may contribute to psychological distress and influence patient perceptions of care and future healthcare engagement.

Project Leads

  • UCLA Faculty PI: Catherine Juillard, MD, MPH
  • UCLA Faculty Co-I: Jordan Rook, MD, PhD
  • Co-I: Danielle Newton, MD
  • Program Manager: Daniela Salinas, MPH

Staff

  • April Thames, PhD – Professor-in-Residence, UCLA; Chief of Medical Psychology/Neuropsychology
  • Gery Ryan, MA, PhD – Senior Advisor, Analysis Core, Kaiser Permanente School J. Tyson School of Medicine
  • Audrey Yang, MPH – MD-PhD Candidate, University of Arizona; PASE Research Trainee

Approach

This study uses qualitative methods to explore patient experiences in the trauma resuscitation bay through in-depth, semistructured interviews. Patients are recruited through multiple pathways, including chart review, outpatient trauma clinic visits and inpatient hospital settings, allowing for a diverse range of perspectives across the continuum of care.

The research specifically examines how elements of the trauma bay environment — such as urgency, communication, use of restraints, and language concordance — shape patient experiences. Particular attention is given to populations who may be more vulnerable to negative experiences, including patients who were physically or chemically restrained and those who are primarily Spanish-speaking.

By centering patient voice and lived experience, the study aims to identify actionable opportunities to improve care delivery during high-stress clinical encounters.

Impact

This work addresses a critical gap in trauma research by examining the psychological and experiential impact of care in the trauma resuscitation bay — an environment that is often lifesaving but may also be distressing for patients. Findings provide insight into how acute care experiences influence patient trust, perceptions of providers and willingness to engage with healthcare in the future.

The study directly informs the integration of trauma-informed practices into emergency and trauma care settings, with the goal of reducing retraumatization and improving patient-centered care. By identifying modifiable aspects of the care environment, this work contributes to broader efforts to redesign trauma systems to be more equitable, responsive and supportive of diverse patient populations.