We are excited to share the yearly update from the Acute Care Special Interest Group (SIG), which has seen significant growth and development over the past year. Below are some highlights and updates on our activities, projects, and future plans.
Name Change to Reflect Expanded Focus
One milestone this year was the decision to change our SIG’s name from “Inpatient SIG” to “Acute Care SIG.” This change reflects our expanded focus to encompass all Higher Levels of Care (HLOC), including Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Inpatient care. Our goal was to foster a more inclusive environment that addresses the full spectrum of HLOC that often is necessary for individuals in treatment with trauma and dissociation.
Regular Meetings and Presentations
The Acute Care SIG has continued to hold quarterly meetings – now with each session featuring informal presentations on topics relevant to our mission. Presentations provide valuable opportunities for members to discuss challenges, share resources, and explore new ideas for improving care within our specialized fields. In our July meeting, Aimee McCann delivered a wonderful presentation on the barriers that outpatient providers and their patients face in accessing higher levels of care. This presentation sparked a robust discussion, leading to actionable insights that we plan to incorporate into our future work.
New Members and Expanded Collaboration
We have welcomed several new members to our SIG this year, each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. Our new members this year were: Natashia Mitchell, Deborah Galaska, Friedel Kushman, Anne Knisely, Orit Payton, Elizabeth Ogren, Jordan Bracht, Madeleine Bertin, and Lexi M. We heartily welcome our new members to our community and are excited to learn from their contributions!
Ongoing and Upcoming Projects
Our SIG has embarked on several projects aimed at enhancing the quality of care for our patients. Aimee McCann has taken the lead on creating a comprehensive resource list of HLOC providers across the U.S., with assistance from Anne Knisley. We hope to make this list available on the ISSTD website, providing a valuable tool for our members as they navigate the complexities of referring patients to appropriate care settings.
Additionally, we are planning a webinar for late 2025 that will focus on the art and science of providing trauma-informed care in inpatient settings. Presenters will include SIG members Ben Israel, Sarah Wentling, and Warwick Middleton. This webinar aims to provide practical guidance and share best practices with a broader audience, furthering our mission of improving trauma care at all levels.
Future Goals
As we move forward, the Acute Care SIG is committed to continuing our work in advocating for trauma-informed care across all levels of service. We aim to expand our membership, increase collaboration with other SIGs, and further develop our educational and advocacy efforts. Our goal is to ensure that individuals facing acute mental health crises receive the care and support they need to heal and thrive.
We look forward to another year of growth, collaboration, and impactful work within the ISSTD community. You can learn more about the SIG, including how to join, here.