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Caring for Our Caregivers – Via Google Drive
Caring for Our Caregivers – Via Dropbox
Video
Town Hall Overview:
Dr. Larry Earl here. I’m stumbling over my own name this morning. Dr. Larry Earl here with NAOHP. You are in the town hall for 2022. Thanks for joining us today. Our topic today is caring for caregivers. And one of the things that allowed us to have this discussion today was that Dr. Radke wrote an article that will be appearing in Visions, uh, in just a couple of weeks from now. We’ll have our Spring Visions coming out. And I just want to take the excerpt of her introduction there.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Healthcare Workers:
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on healthcare workers around the world. In her article, Dr. Radke highlights the ways in which the pandemic has exacerbated the already stressful careers of healthcare workers. Increased numbers of patients, sicker patients, staffing shortages, PPE shortages, fear of contracting COVID and bringing it home to loved ones, managing remote school, and more have all contributed to increasing stress levels and mental health issues for frontline workers in healthcare settings.
Supporting Healthcare Workers:
While some of these challenges have settled as the pandemic has come under better control, such as improved supply chain vaccines to protect healthcare workers, others have persisted and intensified with more recent surges and the need for healthcare to resume business as usual. In light of this, it is incumbent upon those of us who care for healthcare workers to consider how to support them through this stressful time and provide options to keep them healthy, both in body and in mind.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP):
Dr. Radke shares how her organization, Froedtert, responded to a tragic incident that occurred even before the pandemic. In response to this incident, the organization started working on a number of different employee assistance programs. They employed their own EAP counselors who are available in real-time in their hospital settings for employees to access easily. They also implemented the Code Orange program, which allows workers to initiate a code orange to alert security of an issue and receive additional assistance from EAP counselors.
Enhancing EAP Programs:
During the pandemic, Froedtert enhanced their existing EAP programs to provide even more support to their employees. They introduced the SOS program, which pairs healthcare workers with peer mentors who can provide one-on-one assistance and support for stress-related issues. They also implemented the use of the SilverCloud app, a behavioral health app that employees can access for tools to manage stress and anxiety. Additionally, their intranet provides a catalog of resources and recordings for employees to access.
Barriers to Seeking Help:
Healthcare professionals face several barriers when it comes to seeking help. Stigma, fear of judgment, and the belief that they should be able to handle their problems on their own are common barriers. There is also a concern about potential repercussions and the fear of disclosing mental health issues. To overcome these barriers, it is important to normalize the need for help and encourage open dialogue. Offering multiple avenues for seeking help, including physical health programs that can lead to discussions about mental health, is also essential.
Promoting Resilience and Health:
To promote resilience and health among healthcare professionals, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of total person health. This includes addressing physical, mental, and socio-emotional well-being. Open conversations, sharing stories, and messaging about the need for self-care and seeking help are key components. Proactive programs that cater to the unique needs of healthcare professionals and provide individualized support within the context of their lives can also make a significant impact.
The Future of Supporting Healthcare Professionals:
As the pandemic evolves and hopefully comes to an end, it is important not to let the light on healthcare professional needs fade. The mental health and well-being of healthcare workers should remain a priority even beyond the pandemic. The lessons learned and programs implemented during this time should continue to be developed and enhanced. It is essential to keep awareness high, provide ongoing support, and adapt to the changing needs of healthcare professionals.
Caring for caregivers is crucial for providing quality healthcare and ensuring the well-being of healthcare professionals. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the immense challenges faced by frontline workers in healthcare settings. By implementing employee assistance programs, enhancing existing programs, and promoting resilience and health, we can support healthcare professionals through this stressful time and beyond. Let us continue to prioritize their well-being and provide the resources and support they need to thrive.
Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries And Illnesses, 2020
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