Adapting Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Workers Fighting Covid-19 at an Academic Medical Center and Partner Institutions

Authors

• Erika M. Rajo, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Nathan H. Brown, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Sandy B. Hyatt, LSU Health Sciences Center - New Orleans
• Marisa L. Whitley, N/A

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to psychological distress and burnout among some healthcare workers. The purpose of this commentary article was to share lessons learned from the design and implementation of a virtual Psychological First Aid (PFA) intervention for healthcare workers affected by the pandemic. Method: Virtual PFA intervention opportunities were offered by an Academic Medical Center and Level 1 Trauma Center in New Orleans. A total of 105 healthcare workers utilized this intervention. Results: Descriptive analysis of this preliminary data indicates that participants perceived groups to be supportive and effective, but groups were infrequently attended after the first five weeks of the program. Conclusions: These findings suggest: (1) virtual group PFA attendance increased when administrators encouraged participation and provided time in the workday for attendance, (2) in-person support may be a valuable adjunct to virtual interventions, (3) interventions should be implemented early in a disaster, and (4) many healthcare workers demonstrated resilience and hardiness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOI

10.59020/75236

Recommended Citation

Rajo, Erika M.; Brown, Nathan H.; Hyatt, Sandy B.; and Whitley, Marisa L. (2022) "Adapting Psychological First Aid for Healthcare Workers Fighting Covid-19 at an Academic Medical Center and Partner Institutions," Journal of the Louisiana Public Health Association: Vol. 2: No. 2, Article 10.
DOI: 10.59020/75236
Available at: https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/jlpha/vol2/iss2/10