PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Sarah Diver
AU  - Nicola Buccheri
AU  - Chandra Ohri
TI  - The value of healthcare worker support strategies to enhance wellbeing and optimise patient care
AID  - 10.7861/fhj.2020-0176
DP  - 2021 Jan 20
TA  - Future Healthcare Journal
PG  - fhj.2020-0176
4099  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/early/2021/01/19/fhj.2020-0176.short
4100  - http://www.rcpjournals.org/content/early/2021/01/19/fhj.2020-0176.full
AB  - Introduction and aim The World Health Organization has recognised the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on healthcare worker (HCW) mental health and wellbeing. Anticipating these effects locally, we developed strategies to support our team, to equip them to care for themselves as well as our patients.Methods We implemented a series of interventions to increase staff support, highlighting the importance of team and individual morale. We developed a team of peer supporters, encouraged sub-teams to debrief and disseminated general wellbeing advice.Results Feedback demonstrates that our interventions had a positive impact. Greater benefits were recognised by empowering sub-teams to develop their own wellbeing and support mechanisms.Conclusion A strategy to support HCW teams during a crisis is vital to enhance wellbeing. Interventions implemented within our team have supported the provision of high-quality patient care, innovation and research throughout the pandemic.