IUSTI 2019 European Congress

Miscellaneous

oral abstract

Vicarious Trauma (VT) - also known as secondary traumatic stress - is a change in the psychological state of a person as a result of regularly witnessing or hearing about the traumatic experiences of others.1 There is little research examining VT in sexual health clinicians. If not addressed, VT may have a long-term impact on a person’s ability to work effectively and to maintain caring relationships within and outside of work.2 The aim of this study was to assess whether Vicarious Trauma affects clinicians working within sexual health.

An electronic online anonymous survey distributed to all members of the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV and the Society of Sexual Health Advisers for people working in sexual health.

120 responses to the survey. 60/120 (50%) nurses, 25/120 (20%) health advisers, 24/120 (19%) doctors, 6/120 (5%) health care assistants and 7/120 5% ‘Other’ roles. 69/120 (59.4%) had experienced symptoms of vicarious trauma. 82/120 (70%) have gone into work feeling unwell in the previous 12 months. 73/120 (62%) struggle with the emotional impact of their work. 83 /120 (27.4%) said they do not find it easy to switch off after a day at work, and 34/120 (29%) felt their job had a negative impact on their relationships outside work. Coping strategies included humour, informal support, exercise, self-care and use of recreational drugs and alcohol.

Sexual healthcare workers are at risk of experiencing vicarious trauma. Sexual health services should develop supportive systems to protect staff from the negative emotional impact of their work and encourage a culture of openness to allow clinicians to share experiences of vicarious trauma, to help negate the negative impact this may have on their ability to work effectively.

A survey to assess the prevalence of vicarious trauma amongst sexual healthcare professionals across the UK.

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