title: Transcriptionist saturation: knowing too much about sensitive health and social data.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The paper describes and interprets the experiences of transcriptionists employed to translate recorded auditory research, medical, court data into text and specifically when the research is sensitive and the audio source material may be traumatic to hear.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This study highlights the ongoing need for transcriptionists to be recognized in the ethics process as a potentially vulnerable group who need greater support and debriefing when transcribing sensitive health and social data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative research.
  
  
  METHODS
  Telephone interviews were conducted with 12 transcriptionists in Australia and New Zealand during 2012, who had transcribed sensitive material and reported issues with transcribing certain topics. Accuracy and confidentiality were paramount in this work.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven participants reported negative emotional and physical effects from transcribing sensitive material On the other hand six participants found the work enjoyable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The majority of the transcriptionists did not receive any debriefing after transcribing sensitive material. The participants developed their own strategies to deal with the effects of transcribing sensitive materials such as online support groups, relaxation activities and unofficial debriefing with friends and family.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney and Conjoint Appointment with Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Centre for Nursing Research and Practice Development, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Lesley
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wilkes
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cummings
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Haigh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D016494:Computer Security / Q000592:standards; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards*; D004282:Documentation / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D009737:Nursing Records / Q000592:standards; D015399:Nursing Research / Q000379:methods*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology
keywords: information technology; nursing research; occupational health; online transcription companies; qualitative interviews; research methods; sensitive interviews; stress; textual analysis; transcribers