A Secondary Traumatic Stress Reduction Program in Emergency Room Nurses

Abstract

Introduction Secondary traumatic stress is highly prevalent among nurses, especially among nurses working within the emergency department (ED). Reducing healthcare worker secondary traumatic stress is important for ensuring the delivery of high quality, safe patient care. This paper reports on the development and implementation of a secondary traumatic stress reduction program. Methods We used an adaption of a 5-week intervention based on the Accelerated Recovery Program to test whether there would be a reduction in secondary traumatic stress in a pilot sample of nine ED nurses. Outcomes were assessed using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Somatic Symptoms Scale (SSS), and Compassion Satisfaction subscale (CSS) measures. Results Eight of nine nurses were able to complete at least three of the five sessions. Results indicate significant change in STSS (F[5,23] = 4.22, p = .007) and SSS (F[3,15] = 4.42, p = .02) scores, but not CSS (F[5,23] = 0.83, p = .54) scores. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the beneficial effects of the program happened early. For both STSS and SSS, scores at sessions 1 and 2 were generally higher than subsequent sessions. We also found a trend for continued effects on STSS at a four-month follow-up (t23 = 1.95, p = .064). Conclusion Overall, results indicate the 5-week program was associated with a significant reduction in secondary traumatic stress and related somatic symptoms in healthcare workers.

Compassion Fatigue in Emergency Medicine: Current Perspectives

“…These resources need to be available in a longitudinal fashion, as single debriefing meetings after traumatic events have not been shown to be helpful in reducing STS symptoms. 8 , 133 , 134 …”

From Empathy to Compassion Fatigue: A Narrative Review of Implications in Healthcare

“…The ARP primarily focused on mental health and trauma workers [110] but its potential to be effective in reducing compassion fatigue among nurses and other healthcare profession is growing [24]. Evidence supports the use of the ARP to reduce compassion fatigue among health care professionals [24,111,112]. An adaptation of the ARP that reduced the training into a single four-hour session reported a similar significant reduction in compassion fatigue [113].…”

Navigating the Shadows of Others’ Traumas: An In-Depth Examination of Secondary Traumatic Stress and Psychological Distress among Rescue Professionals

“…Well-structured training modules that emphasize psychological resilience can significantly reduce STS susceptibility [23]. But, as Robinson et al [24] note, training that unduly emphasizes traumatic narratives without providing coping mechanisms can inadvertently induce STS, and proper training and intervention programs help nurses and medical professionals cope with STS. The duration of work is also linked with the frequency and intensity of exposure to traumatic events due to long working hours is also directly correlated with workload, and plays a pivotal role in STS manifestation.…”

“…Duration of professional engagement and work experience, be it short-term or longterm-less than and more than 3 years respectively-has been identified as a significant determinant of both STS and PD [22]. The quality and duration of training, especially concerning coping mechanisms and emotional resilience, plays a pivotal role in shaping the manifestation of STS and PD [23,24].…”

“…While comprehensive training emphasizing psychological resilience can effectively mitigate STS susceptibility, an overemphasis on traumatic narratives and, a lack of coping strategies, might inadvertently intensify STS [22]. Focusing on this, Robinson et al, stress the merit of well-designed training frameworks in aiding rescue workers to navigate the challenges of STS and PD [24].…”