University employee assistance program response to traumas on campus
When trauma affects a University workforce, health and productivity are compromised, and an organized response can help lessen the emotional impact and accelerate recovery of function. Responding to traumatic events in the workplace has evolved into being the responsibility of many EAPs. The authors present how the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) model was adapted by their internal EAPs in academic settings at Duke and Vanderbilt to help manage the psychological and occupational ramifications of critical incidents. Outcome data generated from evaluation of Duke's program is presented, which demonstrates the value of the interventions in helping employees manage reactions and in the restoration of personal and occupational functioning. A survey conducted by the authors provides an overview "snapshot" of the active roles that University EAPs have currently in responding to workplace traumas. The survey results underscore the importance of developing a coordinated response and using trained re-sponders, and of the need for additional evaluation of interventions to determine effectiveness of response.
