Culture as both a risk and protective factor for vicarious traumatisation in nurses working with refugees: a literature review

Dodds, H. and Hunter, D. J. (2022) Culture as both a risk and protective factor for vicarious traumatisation in nurses working with refugees: a literature review. Journal of Research in Nursing, 27(4), pp. 357-371. (doi: 10.1177/17449871221085863)

Abstract

Background: There are an estimated 25.9 million refugees worldwide, who require health services while living in host countries. To effectively treat refugee patients, nurses must document their history which requires hearing about their traumatic journeys. Listening to trauma has been shown to cause vicarious traumatisation. Aims: To identify the risk and protective factors involved in the development of vicarious traumatisation. Methods: After searching four databases, nine studies were selected for review. Key words ‘vicarious trauma’, ‘refugee’ and ‘nurse’ formed the search. Articles were appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program and Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: Vicarious traumatisation is common amongst nurses working with refugees. Aspects of culture formed the principal risk and protective factors. Differences between cultures made for strained communication while similarities created better understanding. Some cultures provided more resilience than others. Vicarious resilience, a feeling of personal growth resulting from hearing about and helping patients overcome trauma, was also highlighted. The development of vicarious resilience was a protective factor. Conclusions: Further investigation into how to minimise risk and establish protective factors is required. Some coping recommendations include personal reflection, comprehensive training and better access to counselling.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hunter, Dr David
• Authors: Dodds, H., and Hunter, D. J.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
• Journal Name: Journal of Research in Nursing
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• ISSN: 1744-9871
• ISSN (Online): 1744-988X
• Published Online: 08 July 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Journal of Research in Nursing 27(4):357-371
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License