The Neurobiology of Safety, Threat, and Connection: Applying Polyvagal Theory to Calm Jangled Nerves in Critical Care (ON-DEMAND)

Friday, December 20, 2024, 9:00 AM - Thursday, December 31, 2026, 11:00 PM

In this 1.5-hr social work continuing education activity, Dr. Thompson describes how Polyvagal Theory (PVT) informs high-stakes, high-emotion endeavors, such as emergency and critical care medicine. PVT describes how the nervous system monitors internal, external, and relational environments for safety, risk, and danger, then adjusts neurophysiological states into fight-or-flight, freeze-shutdown, or relaxed engagement. Each state has its own emergent properties of sensation, emotion, and mindset. So, understanding the neurophysiological state of the patients and families we work with provides additional insight into their experience and how we might help them. We can use that understanding to embody a presence and utilize communication that co-regulates the emotions of those with whom we work. In the process, when our nervous system is in a state of equanimity and composure, it counteracts the forces which lead to exhaustion and burnout.

Social Work (On-Demand) (1.50 hours)

1. Understand the fundamental concepts of Polyvagal Theory: neuroception and the three primary autonomic states.
2. Identify the neurobiological effect of demonstrating understanding of another's experience.
3. Recognize the importance of crossing the 'threshold of mistrust' before problem-solving with patients.

Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Department of Social Work has approved this program for contact hours on behalf of the State of Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Providership # 10-004.

Accessibility Statement
Children's Mercy Kansas City is committed to ensuring that its programs, services, goods and facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities as specified under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act of 2008.  If you have needs that require special accommodations, including dietary concerns, please contact the CME Conference Coordinator.

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Children's Mercy Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.