9th International AIDS Conference Berlin, Germany — June 6-11, 1993

Int Conf AIDS 1993 Jun 6-11; 9:119 (abstract no. WS-D16-6)
Miller D, Gillies P; Dept. of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Nottingham, England.

OBJECTIVES: While the symptoms and consequences of occupational stress are increasingly understood, models for effective prevention and management of burnout are not clearly articulated. This paper explains models for care and prevention of HIV health worker burnout, and needs for future research.

METHODS: Organisational experiences of HIV staff stress management are characterised and compared. Evidence on efficacy of specific approaches from the literature is reviewed. Data from the UK multicentre occupational morbidity study (MOMS) is presented regarding HIV health worker preferences for types of support.

RESULTS: Models of "proactive" staff care from developed countries include the use of both groups and individual discussion for (1) clinical supervision, and (2) emotional support. Such care may come from within and outside the workplace, and each has specific benefits and difficulties for those involved. UK HIV health workers have clear preferences for support that allows confidential discussion, that is easily accessible, accepted by and unlinked to management, and is provided by a facilitator with specific qualities of trust, experience, respect and understanding of the workplace. Organisational "passive" staff care requires structural changes to enable display of personal and professional vulnerability and achievements without loss of status or respect from colleagues, that promote trust, team-building and clear resolution of conflicts.

CONCLUSIONS: Burnout prevention models need clear definition to enable evaluation and replication. More information on staff support in voluntary settings and developing countries is needed. Characterisation studies and action research on HIV workers' needs and preferences are a priority.

Copyright © 1993 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.