Health sciences librarians, patient contact, and secondary traumatic stress.
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.
Rachel W
RW
Becker
Aileen
A
McCrillis
D000068376:Compassion Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016245:Librarians / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology