Operational Stress Control Service: An Organizational Program to Support Health Care Worker Well-Being.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare worker (HCW) well-being.
• There was a need for structured interventions to manage stress and trauma in occupational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the methods, outcomes, and lessons learned from an interdisciplinary response to HCW well-being.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the Operational Stress Control Service (OSCS) model.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of the Operational Stress Control Service (OSCS), adapted from a US military protocol.
• Targeted program aspects included communication, employee wellness, and intervention.
• Utilized surveys, in-person outreach, leadership videoconferences, and departmental assistance.

Main Results:

• OSCS received 4660 unique survey responses and reached 1007 employees in-person.
• Informed 125 leadership videoconferences and assisted 13 departments with grief and morale challenges.
• Demonstrated improved organizational communication and rapid solution deployment.

Conclusions:

• The OSCS model effectively improved communication and operational resilience.
• Frequent, multi-directional communication is crucial for organizational support.
• Establishing such services proactively can enhance preparedness for future crises.