Awareness and support for clinicians for the effects of vicarious trauma

Clinicians should be aware of the potential effects on themselves, from working closely with people with developmental disability who have a history of or are experiencing abuse or trauma. This is referred to as ‘vicarious trauma’ and can manifest as work dissatisfaction, irritability (eg with patients, families or staff), and mental health problems (eg depression, anxiety).

Supports for clinicians at risk of vicarious trauma include:

• colleagues and other ‘informal’ peer support
• professional organisations (eg Royal Australian College of General Practitioners [RACGP], Australian Medical Association [AMA])
• mental health professionals or formal support through workplace support counselling
• trauma practice organisations which can provide training in trauma-related practice.

See also the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Abuse and violence—working with our patients in general practice guideline, Chapter 14: ‘The doctor and the importance of self-care’.