A report highlights elevated stress levels healthcare workers experienced both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study reveals 40% of healthcare workers are burned out and the findings suggest that higher moral distress relates to higher levels of burnout, while increased self-care relates to lower levels of burnout. Healthcare workers suggest the following to improve support for psychological self-care and protection from moral distress:
- Prioritize psychological health and safety in the workplace;
- Protect sufficient time off for healthcare workers;
- Advocate for sustained resources (human and financial);
- Embed operational policies and procedures to support healthcare workers, such as debriefing sessions after significant events;
- Cultivate an ethical work climate; and
- Update HR strategies.
Related:
Une situation critique : des travailleurs et travailleuses de la santé et des services sociaux sont en détresse et ont besoin d’un soutien psychologique - Commission de la santé mentale du Canada