Evaluating outcomes and experience of EMDR through an NHS Trust's staff support service
Description
Aim
An National Health Service (NHS) mental health trust developed a pathway offering eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) to healthcare professionals (HCPs). This research aimed to evaluate whether EMDR was linked to improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sought to understand the experiences of service users.
Method
Pre- and post-outcome measures of the Impact of Events Scale—Revised, patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7, and work and social adjustment scale were evaluated. Subsequently, a feedback survey was circulated to those who had accessed the service.
Results
Analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and functioning. The service was rated highly for accessibility and experience. Perceived treatment effectiveness was variable; however, reliving symptoms and sickness absence were reduced, and improvements made during therapy were reportedly maintained.
Conclusion
This service evaluation offers preliminary support for the use of EMDR as a useful intervention for HCW. Recommendations that may be more broadly applicable for service development and considerations for future research are discussed.
An National Health Service (NHS) mental health trust developed a pathway offering eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) to healthcare professionals (HCPs). This research aimed to evaluate whether EMDR was linked to improvements in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sought to understand the experiences of service users.
Method
Pre- and post-outcome measures of the Impact of Events Scale—Revised, patient health questionnaire-9, generalized anxiety disorder-7, and work and social adjustment scale were evaluated. Subsequently, a feedback survey was circulated to those who had accessed the service.
Results
Analysis revealed statistically significant improvements in measures of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and functioning. The service was rated highly for accessibility and experience. Perceived treatment effectiveness was variable; however, reliving symptoms and sickness absence were reduced, and improvements made during therapy were reportedly maintained.
Conclusion
This service evaluation offers preliminary support for the use of EMDR as a useful intervention for HCW. Recommendations that may be more broadly applicable for service development and considerations for future research are discussed.
Format
Journal
Language
English
Original Work Citation
Meredith, F., Banting, R., Avon, D. W., & Paskell, R. (2023, July). Evaluating outcomes and experience of EMDR through an NHS Trust's staff support service. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(3), 171-184. doi:10.1891/EMDR-2023-0003
Citation
“Evaluating outcomes and experience of EMDR through an NHS Trust's staff support service,” Francine Shapiro Library, accessed May 6, 2024, https://francineshapirolibrary.omeka.net/items/show/28344.