Dwayne Van Eerd, S Ragunathan, E Irvin, J Varickanickal, E Tompa, M McElheran, S Brémault-Phillips
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: First responders (FR-police, firefighters, paramedics) are exposed to trauma which can result in post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI). Despite a lack of strong evidence on interventions to address PTSI work disability, workplace PTSI programs and policies are necessary to prevent work disability. The study objective was to examine experiences and perspectives about workplace programs, policies, and experiences related to the prevention of PTSI work disability among FR in Alberta, Canada.
Methods: This qualitative study collected the perspective of police members, firefighters, and paramedics in Alberta, Canada regarding current workplace PTSI programs and policies. Qualitative interview data underwent descriptive thematic analysis.
Results: Interviews were conducted with 47 FR members from police (16), fire (16), and paramedic (15) services who shared their experience with PTSI and workplace programs and policies. Three key themes emerged: improving culture, programs under development, and trusted communication. Three additional themes related to recommendations to improve programs and policies in the workplace were also identified: streamlined processes, better resources, and continue to reduce stigma. The themes and recommendations from participants provide practical information about how programs and policies can be improved.
Conclusion: Interviews provided rich descriptions of current FR workplace PTSI practices and policies. While participants noted that awareness about PTSI and the culture of FR workplaces has improved, more needs to be done. Paramount were recommendations regarding the need for streamlined processes and better resources to reduce PTSI work disability. Study findings suggest that the development and implementation of workplace PTSI programs have a positive impact on FR organizations and on the mental wellbeing of the FR workforce. Future research should examine FR workplace program and policy development as well as implementation.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation is an international forum for the publication of peer-reviewed original papers on the rehabilitation, reintegration, and prevention of disability in workers. The journal offers investigations involving original data collection and research synthesis (i.e., scoping reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses). Papers derive from a broad array of fields including rehabilitation medicine, physical and occupational therapy, health psychology and psychiatry, orthopedics, oncology, occupational and insurance medicine, neurology, social work, ergonomics, biomedical engineering, health economics, rehabilitation engineering, business administration and management, and law. A single interdisciplinary source for information on work disability rehabilitation, the Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation helps to advance the scientific understanding, management, and prevention of work disability.