You’re carrying so many people’s stories: vicarious trauma among fly-in fly-out mental health service providers in Canada

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that influence fly-in and fly-out (FIFO) mental health service providers’ experiences of vicarious trauma as they deliver services to communities in Inuit Nunangat through a constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) lens. Method Using a participatory action research methodology, we conducted eight semi-structured interviews with providers to understand their perspectives on the risk of developing vicarious trauma and potential mitigation strategies. Results We identified three themes through thematic analysis: 1) vicarious trauma is a risk associated with working in communities with high rates of trauma; 2) establishing individual and organizational strategies to reduce risk of vicarious trauma may improve FIFO providers’ well-being and career longevity; and 3) FIFO models of care may offer protective benefits for mental health service providers against vicarious trauma. Conclusions We conclude that FIFO models of care may help mental health service providers to manage the risk of vicarious trauma through reduced caseload and less time spent in community.

Keywords

• vicarious trauma
• fly-in/fly-out
• mental health
• mental health service provider
• rural and remote
• inuit