73 The start screening tool: advancing traumatic injury interventions by collaborating with young men of colour exposed to violence. (9th June 2015) - Ashley, Linnea
Abstract : Young men of colour are disproportionately impacted by violence, both as victims of violent injury and as witnesses to traumatic injury. Though young men of colour residing in urban neighbourhoods with high levels of violence are at a heightened risk of detrimental health outcomes following traumatic injury, there is a dearth of research detailing their recommendations for trauma interventions – perpetuating a system in which trauma services are not informed by the population that they are designed to help. To identify and address trauma symptoms that we believe to be undiagnosed in young men of colour, we designed a mixed-Methods research study, conducted four focus groups, and interviewed 69 men of colour, ages 18–30. Participants were asked to share how they access supports and services and identify their trauma needs, and provide recommendations for eliminating barriers that prevent individuals from accessing trauma services. We utilised the results of the aforementioned focus groups and interviews to develop Screening Tool for Awareness and Relief of Trauma (START) – a trauma assessment tool. START screening questions were selected based on trauma symptoms that can be mitigated by brief interventions. START contains the following interventions aimed at reducing trauma symptoms: trauma psycho-education, breathing exercises, sleep and health education, sensory grounding exercises, muscle relaxation exercises, hand massage, and creating a "self-care plan." Participants trialled each START intervention and provided feedback regarding START's effectiveness and cultural appropriateness. Participants responded positively to START, stating that the tool diminished certain symptoms and increased their interest in, and general willingness to use, intervention tools. Following the recommendations of those interviewed, we adapted some of START's tools to be more understandable. This presentation will inform the current body of injury research by sharing men of colour's insights, lessons learned, and recommendations for developing quality, culturally informed trauma services.