The power of connected clinical teams: from loneliness to belonging.

Journal: Philosophy, ethics, and humanities in medicine : PEHM

Volume: 18

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2023

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road Observatory, Cape Town, , South Africa. jackie.hoare@uct.ac.za.

Abstract summary 

We need to preserve the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic in caring for the mental health of clinicians, of shared experiences, interdependence, team cohesion and vulnerability, among others. We need reform in the way that clinicians are cared for, and a resistance to the idea of a post-pandemic 'return to normal'.To build connected and optimally functioning clinical teams, we need to create an inclusive culture in which difficult conversations and caring are the expectation. If we are to be better at solving problems and better at serving our patients, we should be vigilant about creating a psychologically safe medical culture in which colleagues feel safe, seen, heard, and respected.Going forward, each of us, regardless of seniority, needs to take responsibility for this culture change. We need to create and participate in weekly collegial peer support sessions that feel nurturing and safe, that allow us to reveal parts of ourselves, to be vulnerable with each other in a way that reduces loneliness, and encourages and maintains social connections and a sense of belonging within clinical teams, improves clinician well-being and reduces the risk of burnout. "Care is a practice of informed responsive actions on behalf of the one cared for and authentically aimed toward their growth and flourishing." Care Ethics in the Age of Precarity; Maurice Hamington and Michael Flower.

Authors & Co-authors:  Hoare Jacqueline J

Study Outcome 

Source Link: Visit source

Statistics
Citations :  Oyat FWD, Oloya JN, Atim P, Ikoona EN, Aloyo J, Kitara DL. The psychological impact, risk factors and coping strategies to COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers in the sub-saharan Africa: a narrative review of existing literature. BMC Psychol. 2022;10(1):284. doi: 10.1186/s40359-022-00998-z.
Authors :  1
Identifiers
Doi : 16
SSN : 1747-5341
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Humans
Other Terms
COVID-19;Medical culture;Mental health;Psychological safety;Vulnerability
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
England