TRAUMATIC STRESS ISSUES IN PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTIONS IN SWITZERLAND

Purpose: In order to collect information about the knowledge and clini cal experience concerning psychotraumatology of decision makers in psy chiatric institutions, a national survey was conducted among all recog nized public and private psychiatric institutions in Switzerland. Meth od: A questionnaire addressing traumatic stress related issues was mai led to the medical directors of every psychiatric institutions in Swit zerland (N = 93). 46 institutions (49.5%) returned the questionnaire. Results: Thirty one (67.49%) institutions reported treating trauma vic tims. Sexual abuse, accidents, torture and war related trauma were the most frequently named traumatic events. Nineteen (41.3%) knew a speci alist in psychotraumatology. Only 2 (4.3%) were satisfied with the exi sting therapeutic services; 16 (34.8%) found them acceptable: 20 (43.5 %) were clearly dissatisfied. This subgroup of institutions was charac terized by a significantly stronger call for improvement of the treatm ent services, but no significant differences in practical experience, knowledge about specific treatment approaches, or plans for improving their services and skills with regard to psychotraumatology were found . Conclusions: A distinct group of institutions specifically predeterm ined to take care of trauma victims and to cooperate in further educat ion programmes could not be identified. Professionals with a personal interest in psychotraumatology should work together in order to develo p interdisciplinary training programs.