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.

Final Report

To learn more about this project and its findings, you may wish to view the final report here.

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