Background: Intrusive memories of traumatic events are distressing, vivid memories which
come into the mind involuntarily, and comprise a core symptom of posttraumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Intrusive memories are a common consequence of frontline work among
healthcare staff where exposure to traumatic events is unavoidable. There is a need to
understand the functional implications of experiencing intrusive memories and to develop
and evaluate effective treatments targeting intrusive memories to support the mental
wellbeing of healthcare staff. Objectives: The objectives of this research thesis were twofold.
First, to systematically review and synthesise the literature investigating the relationship
between intrusive memories of trauma and functioning. Second, to investigate the
effectiveness of a brief cognitive task intervention on the number of intrusive memories,
general functioning, and mental health symptoms among healthcare staff. Feasibility and
acceptability of the intervention was also assessed. Methods: To address the first objective,
functioning was operationalised using domains of the WHO International Classification of
Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Systematic searches of peer-reviewed journal
articles were conducted using search terms related to PTSD and intrusive memories. To
investigate the second objective, a case series using an AB single-case experimental design
was employed. Results: From the seventeen studies reviewed, a relationship was found
between intrusive memories and functioning impairments across multiple subcategories of
the ICF, including sleep, concentration, rumination, and activities of daily living. The
empirical study found an overall significant reduction in the number of intrusive memories
from baseline to post-intervention. Improvements in functioning and mental health symptom
reductions were reported. The intervention was generally feasible and acceptable to staff.
Conclusions: Trauma-related intrusive memories are associated with impairments across
several domains of functioning. Preliminary findings suggest that a brief cognitive task
intervention could provide means to mitigate the impact of work-related traumatic events
among healthcare staff. </p
