Using appreciative inquiry to explore and enhance perceptions of empowerment for those experiencing homelessness: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals experiencing homelessness endure occupational injustices in the form of marginalization and deprivation at higher rates than their counterparts who are not experiencing homelessness. This population's expressed interests, needs, and desires are frequently ignored or unsolicited by a system of care that continues to exercise power over this fragile and underserved group. Marginalization and deprivation can lead to disempowerment. Few studies have been conducted that explore the perceptions of empowerment by those experiencing homelessness. Providing a "space" for the voice of those experiencing homelessness to be heard can promote occupational justice as an outcome of occupational therapy intervention. OBJECTIVE: This pilot research sought to explore perceptions of empowerment by attendees of a day shelter for those experiencing homelessness. METHODS: Researchers used an Appreciative Inquiry approach to elicit responses to the question, "For those experiencing homelessness who attend a day shelter, what are their perceptions of how the shelter environment supports empowerment?" This qualitative approach promotes and maintains focus on positivity and inclusivity with respect to the change process from solution identification to maintenance of identified changes. Shelter attendees participated in one of three focus groups. Based upon qualitative analysis of the data, environmental enhancements were made by the researchers and post-environmental enhancement surveys collected data related to perceptions of those enhancements to promote empowerment. RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the data and pointed to both internal and external factors that are perceived to impact empowerment. CONCLUSION: Results of this study can be used by occupational therapy practitioners to support and develop inclusive and empowerment-focused approaches for those experiencing homelessness.

Burnout, compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and secondary traumatic stress in trauma nurses.

The relationship of burnout (BO), compassion fatigue (CF), compassion satisfaction (CS), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) to personal/environmental characteristics, coping mechanisms, and exposure to traumatic events was explored in 128 trauma nurses. Of this sample, 35.9% had scores consistent with BO, 27.3% reported CF, 7% reported STS, and 78.9% had high CS scores. High BO and high CF scores predicted STS. Common characteristics correlating with BO, CF, and STS were negative coworker relationships, use of medicinals, and higher number of hours worked per shift. High CS correlated with greater strength of supports, higher participation in exercise, use of meditation, and positive coworker relationships. Caring for trauma patients may lead to BO, CF, and STS; identifying predictors of these can inform the development of interventions to mitigate or minimize BO, CF, and STS in trauma nurses.

Secondary traumatic stress in trauma nurses: prevalence and exposure, coping, and personal/environmental characteristics.

The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of secondary traumatic stress (STS) in nurses who primarily care for trauma patients. A demographic/behavioral survey and Penn Inventory to measure the presence of STS were distributed to 262 nurses in a level I trauma center. Relationships between STS and years of experience, coping strategies, and personal and environmental characteristics were examined. Response rate was 49%. The median Penn Inventory score was 17.5. Nine nurses (7%) scored 35 or more, reflecting STS. Those with STS had fewer years of nursing experience and in trauma nursing, were more likely to use medicinals, and had fewer and weaker support systems.