Utilizing a Psychological First Aid Team for Trauma-Exposed Outpatient Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Objective: Healthcare workers (HCWs) carry an increased risk of work-associated traumatic incidents and subsequent mental health concerns. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-informed intervention that aims to reduce distress and foster adaptive coping post-trauma. This study evaluates the acceptability and feasibility of implementing an internal peer-based PFA team for trauma-exposed HCWs working in a hospital-affiliated, outpatient healthcare network. Methods: Four PFA methods were developed to enable individualized interventions adapted for diverse clinic settings, delivered by a largely volunteer, internal team. Acceptability was assessed via anonymous post-PFA survey. Feasibility was evaluated in terms of time costs for clinics and facilitators, and budget expenses. Results: From 2020–23, 134 PFA interventions were provided. When participants were surveyed following 32 interventions (18.1% response rate), 92.2% reported feeling moderately to extremely supported and 82.8% reported a moderate to extreme reduction in emotional stress. In 2023, PFA paused clinic operations less than 25% of the time and facilitators contributed less than 1% of their professional time. PFA accounted for less than 0.03% of annual outpatient network budgetary expenses. Conclusions: This study illustrates the frequency of post-trauma support requests for HCWs in outpatient settings and demonstrates the acceptability and feasibility of having an internal team flexibly provide PFA to those impacted.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study highlights the frequency of support requests by trauma-impacted outpatient healthcare teams and provides evidence for the acceptability and feasibility of utilizing an internal team to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to those impacted. The adaptation of PFA for diverse outpatient healthcare settings via flexible use of four PFA delivery methods is detailed.