An Examination of Vicarious Trauma Among Trauma Clinicians: A Mixed Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Psychology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Vicarious trauma (VT) is an occupational hazard for healthcare professionals from repeated exposure to others' suffering.
• VT negatively impacts clinicians' personal and professional lives and patient care quality.
• Limited research exists on VT specifically within trauma clinician populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of vicarious trauma among trauma clinicians.
• To understand the experiences of clinicians providing direct care to trauma patients.

Main Methods:

• An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted over 5 months (May-October 2024) at a Level I trauma center.
• Quantitative data collected via electronic survey using Vicarious Trauma Scale items.
• Qualitative data gathered through individual interviews with trauma clinicians.

Main Results:

• 76 clinicians participated; nurses were the majority, followed by physicians and nurse practitioners.
• Clinicians reported high exposure to distressing materials and traumatized individuals.
• Vicarious trauma was more pronounced in nurses; well-being intervention awareness and use were low due to workload and fear of judgment.

Conclusions:

• Vicarious trauma is evident among trauma clinicians, posing professional and personal risks.
• Healthcare organizations and trauma leadership must address VT risks.
• Proactive safeguarding measures are needed to mitigate the impact of vicarious trauma on clinicians.