Building a Resilient Healthcare Workforce through Trauma-Informed Care

Overview of the Project

This needs assessment project will provide a robust examination of the status of trauma-informed care (TIC) in a healthcare environment and the experiences of secondary traumatic stress among frontline workers in the healthcare profession. Findings will help us understand specific gaps in implementing trauma-informed practices that will improve patient outcomes and help healthcare personnel remain healthy – prevent burnout and turnover.

Project Aims

Using the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Department of Medicine as a case study, we will conduct a needs assessment through a trauma-informed lens. The study will develop a tool that documents the current understanding of TIC as well as worker needs and experiences of secondary traumatic stress.

Aim 1

Assess current trauma-related knowledge, perceptions regarding TIC, and use of trauma-informed practices in the workplace.

Aim 2

Document levels of burnout, experience of secondary traumatic stress and vicarious stress, and overall job satisfaction.

Team

- Andrea Hetling, PhD Primary Investigator (PI), Professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and Associate Director of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
- Rupa Khertapal, PhD(c) Co-PI, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Gabrielle Gault, Senior Researcher, Project Coordinator, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- EJ Knopf Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Research on Ending Violence
- Lily McFarland Graduate Research Assistant, Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy