320 - The organizational management of Traumatic Stress

Session Description: Numerous organisations routinely expose staff to highly challenging environments placing them at risk of developing a range of mental health difficulties including, but not limited to, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. There is plenty of evidence showing it is broadly possible to split risk factors for developing PTSD, and other traumatic stress related conditions, into factors present before, during and after a traumatic incident. Research consistently shows that the post-incident factors are the strongest predictors of psychological outcome. This presentation will cover the spectrum of organisational stress management strategies which aim to prevent, detect and treat trauma related mental health conditions. The presentation will follow a primary, secondary and tertiary prevention approach, drawing on contemporary evidence. Topics discussed will include mental health screening, effective supervision, evidence informed peer support programmes, reflective practice and timely access to occupationally focused talking therapies where required.

Educational Gaps: The talk will equip occupational health professionals who care for trauma exposed workers with up to date knowledge to enable them to help organisations to establish an evidence based approach preventing trauma-related mental health difficulties and ensuring the provision of evidence based interventions.

Is this session being sponsored by an ACOEM Section or Component?: I am the President of the UK Society of Occupational Medicine and have discussed this sessions with Dr Kenji Saito MD

Has this session previously been presented?: Not at this conference. I have presented a similar session at the UK SOM/FOM conference some years ago. This presentation has been updated with relevant newer information.

The AOHC 2026 theme is Healthy workers. Healthy world: This session absolutely aims to ensure that trauma exposed workers (e.g. first responders, healthcare, social care, military etc.) remain healthy, and should they become unwell, regain their health which will allow them to carry out their duties to a high standard protecting others (e.g. healthcare workers helping the public)