Utilization of the Guidelines for First Responders among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Quantitative Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective: Nurses were among first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result experienced significant psychological distress. The present study explored the utilization of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines for first responders (HHS Publications No. SMA-14-4873) among healthcare providers, the majority of whom were nursing professionals, in a medium-sized county located within the Southeastern United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings contribute to the collective understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic response efforts and aim to guide future efforts to support the mental health of healthcare workers serving as first responders (e.g., nurses). Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional, quantitative methods research design. Participants were recruited through email messaging and survey data was collected electronically. Descriptive statistics were generated using SPSS statistical software to analyze survey data and report findings. Results: Results indicated variable utilization of SAMHSA guidelines, and demographic trends related to the usage of guidelines showed differences by years of experience; whereas healthcare professionals reporting 25 years or more of professional experience reported a higher frequency of engagement in stress management practices when compared to healthcare professionals reporting less than 25 years of professional experience. Conclusion: Implications of findings and recommendations for future use / implementation of SAMHSA guidelines among nursing professionals are discussed, including the use of peer mentorship programs to support utilization. The need for individual protocols and organizational policies to support these efforts are also explored and recommendations for future research are outlined.