Challenges encountered by caregiving teams during wartime: new study findings

After the Black Sabbath massacre, it is estimated that more than 30% of the Jewish population suffered from post-traumatic symptoms in the first few months. This not only affected those who directly experienced the events and the evacuation of settlements, but also those who were exposed to the events indirectly. Caregivers in the first circle of treating trauma victims also experienced the consequences of the disaster along with the victims, leading to stress, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

The document recommends strategies for developing the personal coping abilities of caregivers, including awareness of their attitudes and feelings towards patients, balancing emotional detachment and empathy, and creating safe and healthy spaces within the organization. There is a need for guidelines to manage occupational safety and health to identify psychosocial risk factors, especially for professionals who are part of the affected communities.

Prof. Nadav Davidovich emphasizes the importance of addressing the secondary trauma experienced by care teams who are among the affected communities. These professionals face a double exposure, caring for victims of disasters while dealing with personal losses and challenges. Organizations must prioritize the mental health and well-being of their employees, especially during difficult times when systems are under strain.

It is crucial to support and protect caregivers to prevent burnout and ensure they can continue providing care effectively. The focus should be on creating a supportive environment that allows caregivers to balance professionalism with empathy and emotional detachment. By addressing the secondary trauma experienced by care teams, organizations can better support their employees and prevent long-term negative impacts on their well-being.