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A Secondary Traumatic Stress Reduction Program in Emergency Room Nurses
Lauren K Robinson1, Laura Sterling2, Joel Jackson3
1Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
SAGE Open Nursing
|May 16, 2022
Summary
A 5-week program significantly reduced secondary traumatic stress and somatic symptoms in emergency department nurses. These positive effects were observed early in the intervention and showed a trend at follow-up.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is prevalent among nurses, particularly in emergency departments (EDs).
- Reducing STS in healthcare workers is crucial for maintaining high-quality, safe patient care.
- This study reports on the development and implementation of an STS reduction program for ED nurses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-week intervention program in reducing STS among ED nurses.
- To assess changes in secondary traumatic stress, somatic symptoms, and compassion satisfaction in a pilot sample.
Main Methods:
- An adapted 5-week Accelerated Recovery Program intervention was implemented.
- Nine ED nurses participated in a pilot study.
- Outcomes were measured using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), Somatic Symptoms Scale (SSS), and Compassion Satisfaction subscale (CSS).
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in STSS and SSS scores were observed (p < .05).
- No significant changes were found in CSS scores.
- Beneficial effects on STSS and SSS were noted early in the program, with a trend for continued STSS reduction at four-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- The 5-week program was associated with significant reductions in secondary traumatic stress and related somatic symptoms in healthcare workers.
- The intervention demonstrates potential for mitigating STS in high-stress healthcare environments.
- Early intervention appears key to achieving positive outcomes in STS reduction programs.
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