Assessing the Needs of the Caregiver Post Katrina to Reduce Work-related Stress and Trauma

BACKGROUND: Nearly, three years after Hurricane Katrina, the health system remains severely strained. Caregivers, who tend to be selfless and compassionate, continue to rise to this great challenge. Often at tremendous sacrifice, these overworked caregivers function daily to meet the needs of their client population. However one must question at what risk to health and well-being if the work related stress and trauma are not mitigated and prevented.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this investigator was to determine each subject's self-assessment of symptoms of burnout, fatigue and reduced efficiency; self-care practices to mitigate and prevent these symptoms, and

self-report of existing preventive options in the workplace to reduce work-related stress and trauma.

METHODS: The writings of Carla Johnson and Charles R. Figley on compassion fatigue were used to develop a series of questions to use in the interview with each subject. Data was collected from nurses in community health, in primary care practice, in nursing education and nursing administration. All subjects volunteered to be interviewed.

RESULTS: The data identified the self risk assessment of each interviewee, their reported self-care strategies, and their perception of available assistance from employers to tackle work-related stress.

CONCLUSIONS: An enormous emotional and physical toll continues to impact caregivers three years post Hurricane Katrina. Even when some caregivers demonstrate adequate skills in risk assessment and self-care management, there is great need for employers to have in place services for these caregivers at great risk to work-related stress and trauma.