Secondary Traumatic Stress in Oncology Staff

Abstract

As empathetic caregivers, oncology staff may be prone to secondary traumatic stress (STS). Secondary traumatic stress results from exposure to persons who have experienced trauma and from giving care to such persons. The presence of STS among oncology staff has not been documented. This correlational descriptive study examined STS among oncology staff at a 500-bed Magnet-designated community hospital by determining the presence of individual symptoms and frequency with which diagnostic criteria for STS are met. Also determined were associations between STS demographic characteristics and specific stress-reduction activities.In this study, 43 staff members from an inpatient oncology unit completed mailed surveys. The Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale assessed the frequency of intrusion, avoidance, and arousal symptoms associated with STS; also assessed were use/helpfulness of stress-reduction activities. In this first study to document the prevalence of STS among oncology staff, prevalence ranged from 16% (Bride's method) to 37% (cutoff-score method). Most common symptoms were difficulty sleeping, intrusive thoughts about patients, and irritability. Least common were avoidance of people, places, and things and disturbing dreams about patients. Current use of massage was significantly predictive of not having STS. Ethnicity of staff member was related to having STS. Further research is warranted evaluating STS prevalence in different groups of oncology staff along with the effect of STS on burnout and job retention.

Working Through Grief and Loss: Oncology Nurses' Perspectives on Professional Bereavement

“…A large number of patients encountered by oncology professionals will pass away at some point. Therefore, the transitory nature of life is highlighted in oncology (Kearney, Weininger, Vachon, Harrison, & Mount, 2009; Lee, Cohen, Edgar, Laizner, & Gagnon, 2006; Quinal, Harford, & Rutledge, 2009; Rohan & Bausch, 2009; Sinclair & Hamill, 2007; Turner et al, 2007a, 2007b, 2008, 2009). However, issues of loss and bereavement continue to be insufficiently addressed in the oncology workplace.…”

Health sciences librarians, patient contact, and secondary traumatic stress

“…STS has been observed in a variety of fields, both health care-related and not, with fluctuating scores. In a survey of 43 oncology nurses, 16 respondents experienced STS levels above the cutoff score [11]. Out of 67 surveyed ER nurses, 33% of them exhibited elevated STS symptoms [12].…”

An investigation into compassion fatigue and self-compassion in acute medical care hospital nurses: a mixed methods study

“…Although researchers have begun to study the possible moderating effects of SC on resilience and coping [67], only one study has focused its attention on the prevalence of SC in registered nurses (Heffernan, et al, 2010). Hitherto, studies investigating CF in healthcare have focused on specialist nurses, particularly oncology [41,47,68] and emergency nurses [39].…”

“…The symptoms of STS are virtually identical to those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and include symptoms of ' Avoidance', 'Intrusion' and ' Arousal' [35]. Compassion Fatigue [35] is the term now commonly used to describe Secondary Traumatic Stress Disorder (STSD), which results from caregivers indirectly experiencing the trauma of their seriously ill and/or dying patients and families [41]. The 17-item instrument has been designed to measure the subscales of 'Intrusion', ' Avoidance', and ' Arousal' symptoms.…”

“…Symptoms of CF include; boredom, cynicism, anxiety, discouragement, intrusive thoughts, irritability, avoidance, numbness, persistent arousal, sleep disturbances, depression, intolerance, detachment, apathy and, not least, a loss of compassion [37][38][39][40][41]. Physical symptoms can include increased blood pressure, weight gain, fatigue, stiff neck, immune dysfunction and, an increase in gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular disease and diabetes [42].…”