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Podcast: Magellan's Dr. Steven Pratt talks trauma-informed care

Magellan senior medical director Steven Pratt, MD appeared on The Rehab podcast in June to discuss the complex interplay between trauma and behavioral healthcare.

Substantially influenced by the groundbreaking Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study from the mid-1990s, Dr. Pratt emphasizes the need for providers to reshape treatment environments to be welcoming and non-triggering for patients who have experienced significant adversity.

Dr. Pratt has long advocated for the integration of ACE-related insights into contemporary healthcare practices. He is a strong proponent of harm reduction and motivational interviewing techniques that have proven effective, particularly for individuals in the pre-contemplative stage of change readiness.

“I think the idea of trauma awareness really helps us as an industry to be less judgmental and more able to make empathic connections. Empathic connections are essential to a treatment alliance that helps people buy into making healthcare changes.”  - Steven Pratt, MD

Catch the full episode of “Navigating Trauma in Healthcare” on The Rehab.

The ACE Study

The ACE Study surveyed 13,000 patients and looked at the effects of adverse childhood experiences such as physical abuse, neglect and exposure to domestic violence. The results revealed a profound correlation between high ACE scores (i.e., reflecting significant trauma experience) and increased likelihood of poor health choices and behavioral health issues, including smoking and substance use.

The study results strongly suggested the need to address past patient trauma as a core element of treatment. This holistic and empathetic model, coupled with positive behavioral supports, is designed to enhance patient retention in treatment and improve public health outcomes.