Testing Trauma-Focused Therapy to Reduce PTSD Symptoms in First Responders and Frontline Healthcare Workers Delivered Through Employee Assistance Programs

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate a brief PTSD treatment called Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care PE-PC among First Responders and Healthcare workers. The study compares this approach to standard care provided by Employee Assistance Programs EAPs to see if it reduces PTSD symptoms and improves functioning. The trial is sponsored by the University of Michigan and focuses on those with significant PTSD symptoms. Participants receive either the PE-PC treatment, which consists of 4 to 6 weekly 30-minute sessions delivered in person or by telehealth, or the usual EAP Treatment as Usual TAU which typically includes up to six solution-focused therapy sessions and referrals for specialized PTSD care. Both treatments involve homework and surveys, with progress reviewed at the end of the PE-PC sessions. The TAU groups care is monitored throughout the study, including outside treatments and medication use. Throughout the study, participants complete various surveys and homework assignments to track changes in PTSD symptoms, burnout, job performance, depressive symptoms, and patient satisfaction over six months. The main outcome measured is the change in PTSD symptom severity from baseline to six months. The study uses a randomized design and collects detailed monitoring data on treatment adherence and outcomes during this period.

Reducing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptoms in First Responders and Frontline Health Care Workers