Interventions to improve work outcomes in work-related PTSD: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundPosttraumatic stress disorder acquired at work can be debilitating both for workers and their employers. The disorder can result in increased sick leave, reduced productivity, and even unemployment. Furthermore, workers are especially unlikely to return to their previous place of employment after a traumatic incident at work because of the traumatic memories and symptoms of avoidance that typically accompany the disorder. Therefore, intervening in work-related PTSD becomes especially important in order to get workers back to the workplace.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science. The articles were independently screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a quality assessment of all included articles.ResultsThe systematic search identified seven articles for inclusion in the review. These consisted of six research articles and one systematic review. The review focused specifically on interventions using real exposure techniques for anxiety disorders in the workplace. In the research articles addressed in the current review, study populations included police officers, public transportation workers, and employees injured at work. The studies examined the effectiveness of EMDR, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and an integrative therapy approach called brief eclectic psychotherapy. Interestingly, 2 of the 6 research articles addressed add-on treatments for workplace PTSD, which were designed to treat workers with PTSD who failed to respond to traditional evidence-based psychotherapy.ConclusionsResults of the current review suggest that work-related interventions show promise as effective strategies for promoting return to work in employees who acquired PTSD in the workplace. Further research is needed in this area to determine how different occupational groups with specific types of traumatic exposure might respond differently to work-tailored treatments.

Work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional diseases as consequence of traumatic events in public transportation: a systematic review

“…The results of the search and review process are shown in Fig. 1 via Stergiopoulos et al (2011). After removing 107 duplicates, 242 publications were screened on the basis of title and abstract, of those 10 had an English abstract but were written in a different language.…”

Organizational stressors associated with job stress and burnout in correctional officers: a systematic review

“…An 8-item quality assessment checklist was developed a priori to assess the methodological quality of the included studies adapted from a previous checklist used by Stergiopoulos et al (2011) [45]. Assessment questions examined study design, methods, measurements, analysis and data presentation.…”

Evolution of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Quality of Life throughout a Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Workplace Trauma Victims

“…Thus, the rehabilitation of mentally injured workers appears essential to enable employees to return to work. A recent review noted the lack of research on interventions for work-related PTSD [32]. Thus, the current paper aims to examine the evolution of symptoms and QoL throughout CBT for PTSD in individuals exposed to workplace trauma.…”