Early Post-trauma Interventions in Organizations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background In some organizations, traumatic events via direct or indirect exposure are routine experiences. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence reviews (2005; 2018) of post-traumatic stress disorder management in primary and secondary care did not address early interventions for trauma within emergency response organizations. Aims This scoping review was designed to identify research which evaluates the use of early interventions in emergency and other high-risk organizations following exposure to primary or secondary trauma and to report on the effectiveness of the early intervention models in common use. Methods A scoping review was conducted to examine early interventions for workers exposed to trauma, including emergency response, military, and humanitarian aid. Relevant data were extracted from the included studies and the outcomes were assessed using meta-ethnography. Results Fifty studies of mixed quality met the inclusion criteria for this review. A synthesis of study outcomes found that early interventions help emergency responders to manage post-incident trauma when they are delivered in a manner that (a) respects distinct organizational culture, (b) is supported by organizations and senior management, and (c) harnesses existing social cohesion and peer support systems within teams. Conclusion This review demonstrates that early interventions support emergency responders following exposure to trauma when these are tailored to the needs of the population, are supported by the host organization, and harness existing social cohesion and peer support processes within a team or unit. A number of recommendations for the delivery and evaluation of early interventions for psychological trauma in emergency response organizations were made.

Dealing With COVID-19 Patients: A Moderated Mediation Model of Exposure to Patients' Death and Mental Health of Italian Health Care Workers

“…During the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, Greenberg ( 2020 ) suggested that “it is imperative that managers of [health-care workers] take measures to protect the mental health of staff.” According to a recent meta-analysis, trauma-exposed organizations, such as health care organizations, should provide rapid support to their staff, implementing early post-trauma interventions. Until the pandemic ceases, health care organizations should consider to implement early interventions based on psychological debriefing that are aimed “to prevent the development of adverse reactions” before they arise (Richins et al, 2020 ). Among these interventions, there are (1) debriefing within a group setting, (2) focusing on narrative construction, and (3) social cohesion to support post-incident recovery.…”

“…Among these interventions, there are (1) debriefing within a group setting, (2) focusing on narrative construction, and (3) social cohesion to support post-incident recovery. In their meta-analysis, Richins et al ( 2020 ) found that those interventions were linked to reduced PTSD symptom severity. Furthermore, leaders play a crucial role in the implementation of these early interventions.…”

Peers supporting reintegration after occupational stress injuries: A qualitative analysis of a workplace reintegration facilitator training program developed by municipal police for public safety personnel

“…Previous research has found that peer-support programs are a way to promote mental health literacy and health-seeking behaviors and are effective in reducing stigma (Andersen et al, 2015;Milliard, 2020;Van Hasselt et al, 2019). A scoping review by Richins et al (2020) also found that peer support is important in normalizing emotions and reactions. When offered in a group format, peer support was found to facilitate individual recovery and made for a better experience, thus highlighting the role of social support and social cohesion in the psychological processing of traumatic experiences.…”

Supporting Hospital Staff During COVID-19: Early Interventions

“…The response to ongoing high stress should aim to support coping, foster resilience, reduce burnout and reduce the risk of developing mental health difficulties. The following guidance is collated from research, best practice guidelines and expert clinical opinion [3][4][5][6][7].…”