Stress First Aid support for harm reduction workers in substance-use settings
Testing an occupational stress intervention for harm reduction workers in substance misuse settings
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11367034
A workplace stress-reduction program adapted to help harm reduction workers who support people with opioid and stimulant use.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11367034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone who relies on harm reduction services, this work adapts a stress-support program called Stress First Aid so staff can better handle job-related trauma and burnout. Researchers will hold focus groups with harm reduction workers and organizational leaders to tailor the program to this setting. After planning and adaptation, the team will compare the adapted program to a control approach in a controlled clinical trial to measure effects on worker wellbeing and service stability. The goal is to strengthen the ability of workers to provide consistent, compassionate care to people who use drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are harm reduction workers and leaders at organizations that provide services to people who use drugs, such as syringe services or overdose prevention programs.
Not a fit: People who are not employed in harm reduction roles or whose concerns are unrelated to occupational stress are unlikely to benefit directly from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce staff burnout and turnover, which may improve continuity and quality of care for people who use drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Stress First Aid has shown promise with first responders and healthcare staff, but it has not yet been rigorously tested or adapted for harm reduction workers.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CREECH, SUZANNAH K — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: CREECH, SUZANNAH K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.