Impact of a Social Media Group on Health and Well-being of Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Healthcare professionals report workplace stress, burnout and a high prevalence of physical and mental health conditions which may have an impact on their performance and affect outcomes for patients. These include hypertension, diabetes, obesity, anxiety, and depression. As illustrated during the differential outcomes observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, health can be further worsened by social isolation, and incivility in the workplace and impact those from minority backgrounds or with protected characteristics. Social media groups such as Whats App, Facebook and others offer a safe space for psychological support, peer motivation and flexibility of access to health and wellbeing resources. The British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin spearheaded the formation of a voluntary Well-Net group focussing on health and wellbeing activities in February 2021, which was open to professionals, their friends, and families. The results of a survey undertaken among the members of such a Well-Net group demonstrated that the combination of peer motivation and flexible access to health and wellbeing support activities improves physical, and mental health and reduces stress levels.  A healthy workforce will perform better and lead to safer outcomes for patients. The results make the case for targeted investment in flexible provision for health and wellbeing activities for healthcare professionals, both by employers and voluntary organisations.