Examining the Secondary Traumatic Stress Levels of Emergency Service Healthcare Workers in Contact and Non-Contact with Covid-19 Pandemic Patients

Abstract

Objective: The fight against the Covid-19 pandemic has not only been limited to physical risks but has also led to profound psychological impacts. Secondary traumatic stress (STS) is an important concept reflecting the effects of traumatic experiences frequently encountered by healthcare workers. This study aims to investigate the levels of STS experienced by emergency department healthcare workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research aims to provide insights into the impact on the mental health of healthcare workers during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the analysis of the data obtained will yield important conclusions for understanding the long-term effects of the pandemic and preparing healthcare systems for such crises. Method: The study population consisted of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare personnel (health officers, midwives, technicians, paramedics, aides, etc.) working in emergency departments. The study covered 239 participants from various provinces within the authors’ network. Results: The study found no significant variation in STS based on whether participants lived in a major city or not. However, significant differences were identified based on gender. Additionally, significant differences were observed in the "avoidance," "arousal" subscales, and total score of STS based on the job categories of emergency department staff. Furthermore, STS scores varied significantly based on years of service among emergency department staff. Moreover, the study identified significant differences in STS scores based on the frequency of encounters with Covid-19 patients during the pandemic. Conclusion: According to the data obtained, factors such as gender, years of service, and professional experience need to be considered to support the mental health of emergency department staff. It is also important to develop support programs and coping strategies specifically for female employees. Additionally, training and mentoring programs can be developed to enhance the coping skills of new emergency department staff with occupational stress. Given that the frequency of encounters with Covid-19 patients during the pandemic affects the STS levels of emergency department staff, ensuring psychosocial support for healthcare workers during this period is crucial. Moreover, in extraordinary situations like the Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential to strengthen coping strategies for traumatic experiences among emergency department staff and facilitate access to supportive resources. This approach can ensure the sustainability of healthcare services and preserve the health and well-being of emergency department staff.