Secondary traumatic stress in the emergency department

Abstract

Aim To investigate the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress among Emergency nurses in the West of Scotland and explore their experiences of this. Background Unexpected death, trauma and violence are regular occurrences that contribute to the stressful environment nurses working in the Emergency department experience. A potential consequence of repeated exposure to such stressors can be referred to as secondary traumatic stress. Design Triangulation of methods of data collection, using two distinct phases: Phase 1 – quantitative Phase 2 – qualitative Methods Quantitative data were collated via postal questionnaire, from a convenience sample of Emergency nurses. Qualitative data were subsequently collated from a focus group constituting of a random sample of these Emergency nurses. Descriptive statistics were computed and thematic analysis conducted. All data were collated during February 2013. Results/findings 75% of the sampled Emergency nurses reported at least one secondary traumatic stress symptom in the last week. Participants said that acute occupational stressors such as resuscitation and death were the influencing factors towards this. Strategies such as formal debriefing and social support were cited as beneficial tools for the management of secondary traumatic stress; however, barriers such as time and experience were found to inhibit their common use. Conclusion Secondary traumatic stress is a prevalent phenomenon among Emergency nurses in the West of Scotland and if not managed appropriately, could represent a significant barrier to the mental health of this group and their capacity to provide quality care.

Factors Associated with Secondary Traumatic Stress among Emergency Nurses: An Integrative Review

“…Differences in report and variation in years where studies conducted might speculate using different criteria to investigate STS resulting in variation in reported findings. Variation among these findings implies that gender does not relate STS, but these findings must be interpreted cautiously for three reasons: majority of ED nurses are females [16], female nurses had higher level of stress than male nurses [36], and female nurses had higher level of compassion fatigue than male nurses [37]. These inconsistent findings caused Hensel et al to suggest the need for more research and further investigation to elucidate this relationship and the role of gender in STS [22].…”

“…Previous studies from different geographic areas showed that prevalence of STS of a sample of emergency nurses reported at least one symptom of STS during the time of the study, and 39% of them met the whole criteria of STS [16]. These rates are alarming and require attention of stakeholders.…”

“…Studies demonstrated that nurses and trauma workers who received high levels of social support found to have less STS symptoms [22]. The qualitative literature also identified that ED nurses viewed social support as preventive and beneficial tool for the management of STS [16]. It can be said that there is a consensus in the literature to recognize social support as a protective factor against developing of STS among ED nurses.…”

“…Emergency unit is a stressful, fast-paced, and demanding environment [16]. The ED nurses are routinely caring of traumatized patients and life threatening.…”

Aci̇l Servi̇s Çalişanlarinin İki̇nci̇l Travmati̇k Stres Düzeyi̇ Ve Psi̇koloji̇k Dayanikliliği

“…İkincil travmatizasyon açısından ise acil servis çalışanları risk gruplarının başında değerlendirilmektedir (Morrison ve Joy, 2016;Duffy, Avalos, Dowling, 2015;Dominguez-Gomez ve Rutledge, 2009;Hyman, 2004;Figley, 2003;Salston ve Figley, 2003;Beaton ve Murphy, 1995). Diğer taraftan ikincil travmatizasyon konusu sıklıkla ruh sağlığı alanında travma mağdurlarıyla çalışan sosyal hizmet uzmanı, psikolog ve psikiyatristler için tartışılmakta (Adams, Figley, Boscarino, 2008;Bride, 2007;Creamer ve Liddle, 2005;Zimering, Munroe, Bird Gulliver, 2003;Nelson-Gardell ve Harris, 2003;Chrestman, 1999) ve bunun yanı sıra özellikle afetlerde arama kurtarma ekiplerinde yer alan itfaiyeci, dalgıç ve polis gibi çalışanlar açısından da ele alınmaktadır (Kunst ve ark., 2017;Schwartz, 2008;Hargrave, Scottt, McDowall, 2006).…”