Stress First Aid for Healthcare Workers: A Longitudinal Evaluation Across a Healthcare System
Mayer H Bellehsen1,2,3, Haley M Cook1,2,3, Joanna Fishbein1,4
1Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY, United States.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|July 4, 2026
Summary
Stress First Aid (SFA) training improved healthcare workers' self-efficacy and resource awareness, leading to better stress management. While burnout decreased, it remained high for some clinical roles.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Healthcare workers experience significant stress and burnout.
- Effective interventions are needed to support their well-being.
- Stress First Aid (SFA) is a potential support strategy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of Stress First Aid (SFA) training on healthcare workers' stress and well-being.
- To assess changes in self-efficacy, burnout, resilience, and resource utilization post-SFA.
- To identify factors influencing the effectiveness of SFA.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study involving 2,891 employees across 11 hospitals.
- Pre- and post-training surveys assessed outcomes including stress, burnout, and self-efficacy.
- Statistical models adjusted for various demographic and work-related factors.
Main Results:
- SFA training significantly increased self-efficacy, reduced stress, and enhanced perceived organizational support and resource awareness.
- Burnout decreased overall but remained elevated in clinical, inpatient, and direct-care roles.
- Resilience levels did not change significantly; integration phase and training percentage did not impact outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Stress First Aid (SFA) effectively improves self-efficacy, resource awareness, and perceived support among healthcare workers.
- SFA contributes to better stress management and well-being in this population.
- Targeted interventions may be needed for high-risk clinical roles to further reduce burnout.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Coronary Syndrome IV: Interprofessional Care
IntroductionThe management of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) aims to minimize myocardial damage, preserve myocardial function, and prevent complications.Initial ManagementInpatient management involves continuous cardiac monitoring, preferably in an ICU, focusing on blood pressure, serum sodium, potassium, and creatinine levels, and urine output. Ongoing pharmacologic management is crucial for stabilizing the patient.Supplemental Oxygen: Administer supplemental oxygen if oxygen saturation is...
01:18Introduction To Health Care Delivery System
The healthcare system is constantly changing and complex. Various services are available from different healthcare providers, but gaining access to these services has become challenging for people with limited healthcare insurance. Uninsured people present a challenge to healthcare because they frequently postpone or forego treatment.
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) advocates for a patient-centered, effective, safe, timely, equitable, and effective healthcare system. The National Priorities...
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Documentation in long-term care facilities and home healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring continuous, coordinated, and comprehensive care for patients. Each setting has its specific documentation processes and tools:
Long-Term Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:26Traditional Level Of Health Care System
The levels of care describe the services provided in the healthcare system. Accordingly, there are six levels of the traditional healthcare system in the US: preventive, primary, secondary, tertiary, restorative, and continuing healthcare. A nurse must understand how the healthcare industry organizes and provides services within these levels of care.
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
The preventive healthcare service includes tests for screening. Preventive health care services include identifying and reducing disease risk...
01:26Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...