Workplace well‐being in pediatric anesthesia: How to design and implement a bespoke evidence‐based framework in your department

Abstract

Background: All anesthetists are at risk of mental ill health and pediatric anesthetists face additional stressors that may impact upon well-being, particularly after an adverse outcome. The SARS COV-2 pandemic has resulted in a plethora of resources to support the well-being of frontline workers. Developing a well-being system for an anesthesia department using these resources may be complex to implement. Aims: In this article we outline how an anesthesia department can design and implement a framework for wellbeing, regardless of resources and financial constraints. We use the example of a free online toolkit developed in Australia for anesthetists. Methods: The "Long lives, Healthy Workplaces toolkit" is a framework which has been specifically developed by mental health experts for anesthetists, and does not require departments to pay for external experts.1 Departments can design a longterm model of evidence-based mental health strategies to meet their unique needs using five steps outlined in the toolkit and detailed in this article. The framework uses cycles of assessment and review to create an adaptable approach to incorporate emerging evidence. We explain how culture can impact the implementation of a wellbeing framework and we outline how departments can set goals and priorities. Conclusion: Departments have different constraints which will alter how they approach supporting anaesthetists' wellbeing. Regardless of location or funding all departments should explicitly address anesthetists well-being. Long term sustainable well-being programs require a strategic and coordinated approach.

Mental health and well‐being of anaesthetists during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a scoping review

“…There is also a range of psychological interventions that were developed for these workers before and during the pandemic [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Currently, anaesthetists have access to workplace psychological interventions [ 60 , 61 ] and resources found on websites of professional bodies (see online Supporting Information, Table S5 ). Access to interventions such as counselling, psychoeducation and self‐care including exercise and relaxation techniques may be helpful [ 23 , 24 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 52 , 57 , 62 , 63 ].…”

Workplace health in anesthesia team: A qualitative study in Iran

“…Consistency of the anesthesia team as one of the main themes of this study means formation of stable anesthesia teams and establishment of interpersonal relationships between their members. While nurse anesthetists are independent professionals, their performance depends largely on the competence, skills and willingness of anesthesiologists to cooperate with them to provide optimal care during anesthesia (24). To date, most attempts to understand the complex nature of the physician-nurse anesthetist collaboration have been subjective and speculative (25).…”

Establishing a Guide for Developing Organizational Support in Healthcare Following a Critical or Sentinel Event

“…Online resources or tools are increasing in popularity to overcome barriers to accessibility such as cost, time, privacy, and more recently pandemics (Shrivastava & McDonald, 2021). To increase accessibility, Pezaro et al (2017) developed a case for an online option for midwives to address these barriers, with anonymity and confidentiality a priority.…”