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UKnowledge > College of Public Health > Journal of Appalachian Health > Vol. 7 (2025) > Iss. 3

 

Corresponding Author

Ranjita Misra: ranjitamisra@usf.edu

Author Affiliations

  1. Ranjita Misra, PhD, CHES, FASHA: Professor, College of Nursing, University of South Florida (Tampa FL); E-mail: ranjitamisra@usf.edu; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7314-0184
  2. A. Brianna Sheppard, PhD, MA: Director, WV Area Health Education Centers, West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health;Program Director, West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute, West Virginia University. ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1235-2295
  3. Natalie Wilson, MPA: Assistant Director of Research Support, Health Affairs Institute, West Virginia University
  4. Megan C. Govindan, PhD, MPH, MS, RD, LD: Research Scientist, West Virginia University Institute for Community and Rural Health
  5. Matthew Myers, PhD, MPH: Research Assistant, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West Virginia University
  6. Amanda Acord-Vira, EdD, OTR/L, CBIS, FAOTA: Professor, Department of Human Performance - Occupational Therapy, West Virginia University; ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0544-0713
  7. Steven Wheeler, PhD, OTR/L, CBIS, FAOTA: Professor, Department of Communication Disorders and Occupational Therapy, University of Arkansas (Fayetteville AR); ORCiD: https://orcid.org/ 0009-0004-2174-1745
  8. Heather Henderson, EdD, MSHCM: Associate Dean for Research, Compliance and Accreditation, Assistant Professor, College of Health Professions, Wichita State University, (Wichita KS)
  9. Christena D. Ross, MS, PMP: Associate Director of Project Leadership, Health Affairs Institute, West Virginia University
  10. Laura Cooper, MPH, PMP: Project Manager, Health Affairs Institute, West Virginia University
  11. Rachel Goff, MBA: Office Director, Children, Youth and Family Treatment, Prevention and Recovery, Bureau of Behavioral Health, West Virginia Department of Human Services, (Charleston WV)

Author Area of Expertise

Health equity, chronic disease, epidemiological and behavioral interventions, trauma-informed care.

Abstract

Introduction: Person-centered, trauma-informed care (PCTIC) is a combined, holistic service model promoting the well-being and empowerment of trauma survivors.

Purpose: This study examined the PCTIC knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by West Virginia (WV) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) direct service professionals (DSPs) to serve clients that may have experienced trauma.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with diverse stakeholders (n = 32) from 19 organizations that provide HCBS services in all 55 counties. Interviews focused on identifying current training, needs and knowledge gaps, and priority areas for additional PCTIC training. ATLAS.ti software was used to manage and code. Validity was established by using multiple data coders, gathering insights from multiple roles, and theory triangulation. Thematic analysis identified training needs and knowledge gaps for PCTIC approaches.

Results: Stakeholders identified knowledge gaps and training needs to address knowledge and empowerment of trauma, positive behavior reinforcement, and access to mental health services. Knowledge gaps included standardized operational definitions related to trauma and PCTIC and the importance of assuring accessibility for evidence-based training for all staff levels. In addition, tailoring for various educational backgrounds and skills was recommended to achieve new performance levels among DSPs. Areas to strengthen current trainings included facilitation of culture change, self-care, listening skills, setting boundaries, and problem-solving/critical thinking.

Implications: Results confirm PCTIC training needs for DSPs to strengthen the WV Medicaid HCBS workforce. However, HCBS training implementation and competency areas should consider factors such as understanding/balancing the training needs and abilities of clinically and non-clinically trained workforce and organizational responsiveness.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0703.06

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Misra R, Sheppard AB, Wilson N, Govindan MC, Myers M, Acord-Vira A, Wheeler S, Henderson H, Ross CD, Cooper L, Goff R. Person-centered trauma-informed care (PCTIC): a training needs assessment for home and community-based services in West Virginia. J Appalach Health 2025;7(2/3):77-94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0703.06

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