Original Research
The development of a model for dealing with secondary traumatic stress in mental health workers in Rwanda
Submitted: 05 October 2017 | Published: 10 October 2015
About the author(s)
Jean D. Iyamuremye, Mental Health Nurse Specialist, Ministry of Health, Mental Health Division, RwandaPetra Brysiewicz, School of Nursing & Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Full Text:
PDF (649KB)Abstract
Aim: To develop a comprehensive model to manage the effects of STS in mental health workers operating in Rwanda.
Method: An action research project was initiated to develop this model and data for the model was collected through individual interviews with mental health workers (nurses, doctors, psychologists, trauma counsellors and social workers) as well as a quantitative tool measuring secondary traumatic stress (Trauma Attachment Belief Scale) in these health workers.
Results: The Intervention Model to Manage Secondary Traumatic Stress (IMMSTS) was synthesised from these findings and includes preventive, evaluative and curative strategies to manage STS in mental health workers in Rwanda at the individual, social and organisational levels.
Conclusion: The model will offer mental health professionals an effective framework for addressing the issue of STS.
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