Occupational-Induced Secondary Traumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Respiratory Therapists

Secondary traumatic stress (STS) may occur in the caretakers of individuals who have experienced traumatic events or are suffering and, when severe, may be associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a diagnostic level due to STS. For respiratory therapists (RTs), the incidence of STS and PTSD at a diagnostic level due to STS has not been examined. We assessed the prevalence of self-reported STS and PTSD at a diagnostic level due to STS in licensed RTs.

Licensed RTs who were members of the American Association for Respiratory Care completed the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) based on feelings experienced over the preceding 30 days and 12 months. Results were evaluated on the basis of primary patient population (neonatal/pediatric vs adult), years of experience, and usual work location (ambulatory care, acute care, or ICU) using the McNemar chi-square analysis and the Fisher exact test.

201 licensed and practicing RTs completed the survey. 92% of the respondents worked ≥ 30 h/week, 75% worked in ICUs, 67% worked primarily with adults, and 89% had been in practice ≥ 6 years. PTSD at a diagnostic level due to STS was common in all respondents, occurring in 36% based on experiences from the prior 30 days and in 32% based on experiences from the prior 12 months.

No difference in PTSD at a diagnostic level due to STS was noted between RTs caring for neonatal/pediatric versus adult patients or between RTs based on years of work experience or based on work environment. STS and PTSD at a diagnostic level due to STS was common in RTs.