An Evaluation of a Tiered Approach to Increase Well-Being in Healthcare and Social Service Providers in a Post-Disaster Context

Health care and social service providers from disaster-affected communities are at heightened risk for emotional distress symptoms immediately after the event and over the longer-term recovery period. They provide care to others both physically and emotionally, while at the same time are often in the process of recovery and rebuilding their own lives. Health care providers, particularly those who work in safety net health centers, often serve high-need communities where incomes are lower, health issues are elevated, and health care is scarce.

Given the high risk for emotional distress symptoms for healthcare workers after a disaster, it is critical to offer services to help ease the stress during the hurricane recovery. This evaluation will examine the impact of Americares mental health and psychosocial (MHPS) programming on care providers in the short- and longterm recovery. The purpose of this evaluation is to understand the impact of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPS) programming that AmeriCares (a non-profit disaster response organization) is currently providing to healthcare and social service providers in Southeast Texas and Puerto Rico. The MHPS services are designed to provide skills to reduce stress, improve coping and reduce symptoms of burnout (compassion fatigue).

The study included naturalistic groups that will receive services from Americares based on the agencies needs.

They will include:

1. A waitlisted control group who will receive services within 3-months after the study begins
2. A group who will receive one specific workshop, known as RCHC (Resilience and Coping for the Healthcare Community)
3. A group who will receive RCHC plus additional services (RCHC+)