Date Available
4-23-2025
Year of Publication
2025
Document Type
DNP Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
College
Nursing
Department/School/Program
Nursing
Faculty
Dr. Julie Marfell
Faculty
Dr. Patricia Hughes
Faculty
Dr. Brooke Englert
Abstract
Background: Prolonged stress in healthcare workers (HCWs) can lead to burnout and absenteeism. High stress also negatively impacts work productivity and healthcare quality. The Stress First Aid (SFA) program aims to improve recovery from stress among HCWs. Chronic stress is evident in primary care clinics, where absenteeism and burnout symptoms have increased.
Purpose: This project aimed to evaluate the SFA program's effectiveness in reducing burnout and absenteeism and improving healthcare workers (HCW) knowledge of stress and available resources at University of Kentucky Healthcare (UKHC).
Methods: A quasi-experimental quality improvement project included pre- and post-education surveys, an SFA education session, and handouts. Burnout was measured using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and absenteeism was assessed through staffing time and attendance reports.
Results: Participants showed a significant reduction in burnout (p=0.004) and a decrease in absenteeism, from 36 to 29 absences in the six weeks following the education. Stress and burnout knowledge did not significantly increase (p=0.357).
Conclusion: The SFA program successfully reduced burnout and absenteeism. Future studies could expand SFA implementation to more clinics and incorporate it into staff orientation.
Recommended Citation
Marler, Ryan, "Evaluating Impact of Stress First Aid Programs in a Primary Care Setting" (2025). DNP Projects. 483.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/483
