Staff support during COVID-19 within an Acute Hospital Trust. (5th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blighe, Sabrina; Hotton, Matthew; Quarmby, Louise; Pollard, Teresa; Neilan, Natasha; Scholcz, Anna; Pinckston, Molly; Samuel, Rosanna
• Is Part Of: Occupational medicine. Volume 72:Part 5(2022)
• Page Start: 298
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2022-05-05
• Subjects: Staff well-being -- COVID-19 -- occupational health; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Employee health promotion -- Periodicals; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqac026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0962-7480

Abstract

Abstract: Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has put immense pressure on the National Health Service (NHS) and all healthcare professionals, not only physically but also mentally and the need to fully develop and implement a strategy to protect the mental health of healthcare professionals has never been more urgent. Research has demonstrated that staff can be supported by strengthening teams and offering frequent well-being support. Aims: To assess the feedback from delivery of a strategy to provide psychological well-being support to NHS staff during the COVID-19 pandemic and whether this 'Support for Teams' initiative made a positive impact on staff and in what way. Methods: A mixed methods design was used to gain quantitative and qualitative feedback from staff. Feedback was collected from two groups: Well-being Leads and clinicians providing support and resources to Well-being Leads. Feedback was collected via online forms. Results: Collectively, feedback responses were received from 70 staff members. The majority of staff members felt supported and benefitted from the provisions provided. Conclusions: This evaluation showed that our healthcare system must continue to proactively implement and adapt staff support strategies to protect the mental well-being of healthcare professionals, both in the context of future health crises and in everyday practice. This study will assist and guide development and adaptations to health and psychological well-being support, ahead of future pandemics and to provide suitable support beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.