Why Critical Incident Stress Management Teams Matter in Primary Care

ObjectiveCritical incident stress management (CISM) teams can be adapted in urban primary care clinics to address and process traumatic events in primary care. A guide for implementing the CISM team model within this setting is delineated.MethodsReview of existing literature and guide to implementation of CISM team in primary care.ResultsRespondents reported the team validated their reactions to the critical incident and were grateful for CISM presence.ConclusionDespite indications that vicarious traumatization, burnout, and compassion fatigue are rising (Bodenheimer & Sinsky, 2014; Coles et al., 2013; Woolhouse et al., 2012), there is little information about efforts to address this. Operating and emergency rooms and intensive care units utilize CISM (Maloney 2012; Powers, 2015); however, it's overlooked in primary care (Blacklock, 2012; Naish et al., 2002).