Health sciences librarians, patient contact, and secondary traumatic stress

2015/04/01 by Rachel Becker, Aileen McCrillis · 1 citation
Social Sciences · Health Professions · Psychology · Medicine · Nursing · #Library Science and Administration #Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout #Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research #Toll #Medical library #Family medicine #Compassion fatigue #Medicine #Psychology #Psychiatry #Nursing #Clinical psychology #Burnout

paper · pdf · doi:10.3163/1536-5050.103.2.006

openalex publication_date 2015/04/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/11

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in health sciences librarians (HSLs) who have direct contact with traumatized individuals and their families. METHODS: A twenty-five-item survey and the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS) were distributed via email to three Medical Library Association email discussion lists. RESULTS: A total of fifty-five HSLs responded to the survey. Survey results indicate moderate levels of STS and variability of symptoms among participants. CONCLUSIONS: Library and employee assistance program managers should be aware of the emotional toll of patient and/or family contact for HSLs.

Citations

• Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout among Law Enforcement Investigators Exposed to Disturbing Media Images
• Development and Validation of the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale

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• Librarian [wikipedia]

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