Healthcare worker (HCW) well-being has been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, with significantly increased rates of burnout, PTSD, anxiety and depression leading to increased absenteeism, willingness to work and decreased worker retention
Many of the pre-existing programs for HCW well-being focused on single, isolated incidents, such as patient safety incidents. Some adaptation of programs aimed at military or disaster relief are more readily translatable to the COVID-19 pandemic context
The measurement of HCW well-being relies on self-reported measures and related outcomes (e.g. absenteeism, willingness to work, retention) and as such, most interventions are evaluated using self-reported satisfaction surveys
Organizational level recommendations focus on the provision of adequate staffing and equipment for work-life balance, as well as a supportive and safe work environment free of stigma of help-seeking behaviors
In order for successful program interventions, leadership must be genuine, transparent and accessible at all levels
Interventions such as education and training are recommended not only for HCW well-being, but also for disease specific and unfamiliar task knowledge
In the face of lockdowns and social distancing guidelines, the fostering of connectedness and peer support communities, including self-efficacy and self-advocacy, and including plans for remaining connected with isolating workers and reintegration programs has been found to be highly important to HCW
The centralization of support services into a wellness/resource hub increases awareness and accessibility as acceptability, and where possible the design of rest areas should promote well-being
Individual interventions providing education, training and psychological support are generally well received, but accessibility and meaningful use are heavily dependent on organizational support
Badea A; MacFadden, M; Bishop, S; Dalidowicz M; Stojanovic V. What are the interventions to ameliorate the impacts of the pandemic on Healthcare workers? 2022 Feb 17, Document no.: EOC211202 RR. In: COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Reviews [Internet]. SK: SK COVID Evidence Support Team, c2022. 20 p. (CEST rapid review report).