Perinatal Clinicians' Perspectives on Addressing Clinician Psychological Trauma and Well-Being in Perinatal Care

Clinicians who regularly work with trauma survivors are at heightened risk for vicarious trauma and burnout. This study explores the often overlooked toll of trauma exposure among clinicians working in perinatal care settings. We performed one-to-one semi-structured interviews with 23 perinatal clinicians to understand their perspectives on addressing psychological trauma and well-being among clinicians. Study results reveal that clinicians are affected by primary (i.e., personal or direct) experiences of trauma, vicarious trauma, and burnout. Many clinicians reported distress rooted in their lived experience, which can be reactivated in clinical interactions and exacerbated by systemic barriers. Participant-reported themes highlight the resilience, well-being, and self-care strategies clinicians used to cope with this demanding work, including work-life boundaries, supportive workplace culture, therapeutic support and wellness routines, and advocacy as a form of self-preservation. These findings underscore the critical need for health care systems to recognize and address the impact of trauma exposure on clinicians to safeguard their well-being and ensure the benefits of trauma-informed perinatal care for clinicians.