Culture, conditions and care support mental health of healthcare workers during crises

Abstract

Abstract Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has presented immense challenges to health systems worldwide and significantly impacted the mental health of frontline healthcare workers. Aims This study drew on the experiences of frontline healthcare workers to examine organizational strategies needed to support the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers during times of crisis. Methods Semi-structured focus groups or individual interviews were conducted with healthcare workers to examine their perspectives on organizational strategies for enhancing staff mental health and well-being during crises. Data were analysed thematically. Following this, evidence for the identified strategies was reviewed to assess alignment with participant views and recommendations. Results Thirty-two healthcare workers from diverse disciplines (10 allied health, 11 nursing, 11 medical) participated in the study. Data analysis identified three broad themes contributing to supporting mental health and well-being. These themes can be encapsulated as the ‘Three Cs’—culture (building an organizational culture that prioritizes mental health); conditions (implementing proactive organizational strategies during crises) and care (ensuring fit-for-purpose strategies to support mental health and well-being). Conclusions Study findings underscore the necessity of an integrated and systemic organizational approach to address mental health and well-being in the healthcare workplace. This approach must be long term with the components of the ‘Three Cs’, particularly cultural change and conditions, viewed as a part of a suite of strategies to ensure crisis preparedness. It is imperative that organizations collaborate with their staff, providing support and fostering a safe and inclusive work environment that ultimately benefits patients, their care and staff well-being.