Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is the resulting effects from exposure to adverse medical events and may include symptoms of depression, fear, or work avoidance. Â1 This study aims to understand STS in Ob-Gyn physicians and assess needs for interventions to promote wellness. METHODS: An explanatory mixed-methods analysis used an anonymous survey distributed to an Ob-Gyn department at a Midwest academic institution followed by focus groups and individual interviews. IBM® SPSS® 24.0 generated descriptive statistics, point-biserial correlations, and reliability analysis. Constant comparative analysis identified themes. Institutional IRB approval was obtained. RESULTS: Twenty-seven individuals (52% residents/40% faculty) completed the reliable (alpha=0.71) survey. Ten faculty participated in interviews/focus groups. Anxiety (81%), guilt (62%), disruptive sleep (58%) were most frequently reported STS symptoms (mean number of symptoms=(3.4±2.1)). Individuals reporting anxiety were more likely to seek support from colleagues (rpb=0.5, p<.006); those reporting guilt would go to friends (rpb=0.5, p<.007). Disrupted sleep more commonly led to seeking mental health services (rpb=0.5, p<.007). Provider description of STS included: responsibility, guilt/shame, self-doubt, anxiety/rumination and sleep disturbance. Effects varied from task avoidance to hypervigilance. Protective factors included support from colleagues and ability to compartmentalize work/home. Mental health treatment and faith-based, introspective beliefs facilitated coping. Desires for support varied: those reporting anxiety were more interested in peer-to-peer responders (rpb=0.6, p<.001), those reporting guilt would use debriefing sessions (rpb=0.4, p<.023). CONCLUSION: STS wellness programs including peer support and group processing can promote collegiality, shared learning, and emotional support. A breadth of resources is imperative to address individual provider needs.
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