Low provider and staff self-care in a large safety-net HIV clinic in the Southern United States: Implications for the adoption of trauma-informed care.

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Jessica Sales, Emory University; Kaitlin Piper, Emory University; Clara Riddick, Emory University; Betelihem Getachew, Emory University; Jonathan Colasanti, Emory University; Ameeta Kalokhe, Emory University
• Language: English
• Date: 2019
• Publisher: SAGE Publications (UK and US): Open Access Titles
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2019
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/2050312119871417
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: SAGE Open Medical Case Reports
• ISSN: 2050-313X
• Volume: 7
• Start Page: 2050312119871417
• End Page: 2050312119871417
• Grant/Funding Information: This study was funded by a developmental grant to Sales and Kalokhe from the NIH Center for AIDS Research at Emory University (P30AI050409).
• Keywords: trauma-informed care; burnout; Self-care; HIV/AIDS
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Health Care Management; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Objective: This mixed-methods needs assessment study examined self-care practices among providers, staff, and administrators at an HIV clinic and identified barriers and facilitators to strengthening self-care services in this setting. Methods: Surveys (n = 31) and qualitative interviews (n = 23) were conducted with staff, providers, and administrators at a large, safety-net HIV clinic. Results: Surveys indicated an overall absence of formal self-care services including resources to manage stress, opportunities to debrief, and formal mechanisms to voice concerns. Based on interviews with staff and providers, deficiencies in self-care services included support for dealing with complex patients, formal mechanisms for feedback, and time for self-care. Administrators recognized the need for more support, acknowledged that opportunities for employees to voice concerns were lacking, and felt that implementing multi-disciplinary team meetings could improve morale and reduce stress and burnout. Conclusion: This assessment revealed a need to enhance self-care in safety-net HIV services. Adoption of trauma-informed care, which includes activities to strengthen self-care, could reduce workplace burnout.