title: Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among emergency nurses: their perspective and a 'tailor-made' solution.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study was to identify support activities for emergency room nurses who have been exposed to traumatic events, in order to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Emergency room nurses experience stress during traumatic events, for which they need support. It turns out that such support is insufficient, ineffective or non-existent.
  
  
  METHODS
  This qualitative study was carried out among twelve emergency room nurses from January to May 2007. Semi-structured interviews and a focus group were conducted. Content analysis fulfilled the objectives of our research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of traumatic events leading to contextual exposure and exposure as a witness increases with years of experience (r=0·67 and r=0·57). The frequency of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms decreases with age (r=-0·83). The data demonstrate the importance of having a supportive social network and being able to talk things over with colleagues. The support activities considered include all types of prevention. They consist primarily of a peer support system, psycho-education and emergency room simulations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A three-level complex of support activities represents a promising solution to prevent and treat post-traumatic stress disorder among emergency room nurses. A further study to test its effectiveness is currently underway.
authors.affiliation: École des sciences infirmières, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada. stephan.lavoie@usherbrooke.ca
authors.forename: Stéphan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lavoie
authors.forename: Lise R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mathieu
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D016730:Program Development; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011792:Quebec; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology