Healing the Heart of Healthcare

Area of Science:

• Healthcare
• Psychology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Healthcare workers face ongoing stress impacting overall health.
• Pandemic-related stress contributes to burnout, low morale, and increased suicide rates.
• A need for processing trauma and grief was identified among caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a formal intervention for healthcare workers to address pandemic-related stress.
• To provide an opportunity for caregivers to grieve and process their experiences.
• To reinstate a sense of hope within the healthcare profession.

Main Methods:

• A formal intervention program titled "Healing the Heart of Healthcare" was developed and implemented.
• The program focused on acknowledging trauma and facilitating emotional processing.
• Activities were designed to be adaptable for future events like Nurses Day.

Main Results:

• The intervention provided acknowledgment of trauma experienced by healthcare workers.
• The program successfully reinstated a sense of hope among participating caregivers.
• The initiative addressed the critical need for mental health support in the healthcare setting.

Conclusions:

• Formal interventions are crucial for addressing the psychological impact of pandemics on healthcare workers.
• Acknowledging trauma and fostering hope can mitigate burnout and improve morale.
• The "Healing the Heart of Healthcare" model offers a replicable approach for supporting healthcare professionals' well-being.