This episode discusses the effect of the pandemic on healthcare professionals at an individual level, and how this has broad reaching ramifications at a team and industry level across different country contexts.
IN THIS PODCAST PETER BRINDLEY IS JOINED BY HUGH MONTGOMERY, LIZ CROWE, AND SHELLY DEV TO DISCUSS WELLNESS, RESILIENCE, BURN OUT AND BEING A HEALTHCARE WORKER IN THE WORLD NOW. THIS EPISODE EXPLORES JOB SECURITY, PUBLIC RECOGNITION, AND THE PERSONAL EFFECT OF THE PANDEMIC FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES.
In the context of the pandemic, the good comes with the bad – as Liz explains. Throughout the pandemic we have seen health care professionals experience trying work conditions the world over. However, it is one of the few industries that did not experience staff layoffs and work reduction. On the other hand, all healthcare systems in the world are imperfect. Throwing a pandemic into the mix produced even more challenges. It was therefore unlikely that satisfaction from work was going to improve over the past two years.
Hugh discusses the disposition of healthcare workers in London during the pandemic – one of the hardest hit regions in the world. Whilst the pandemic initially provided an opportunity for intensive care professionals to do what they are trained to do; the ongoing nature has proven to be challenging. The doctors in his system are weary – both mentally and physically.
Shelly highlights the touching nature of working within a close team during this difficult period. In her experience there is a comradery that has been emphasised through the pandemic. However, Shelly states that even in non-pandemic times healthcare workers have struggled to cultivate healthy relationships outside of work. Therefore, her first thoughts at the start of the pandemic were not of the intellectually interesting challenge, but rather what was going to happen with her family. On a broader scale, Shelly posits these hardships may lead to more and more healthcare professionals leaving the industry.
Tune in to this authentic perspective on healthcare worker wellbeing with Peter Brindley, Hugh Montgomery, Liz Crowe & Shelly Dev. Overcoming the Great Resignation through Realisation: Part 1
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Shelly Dev
Peter Brindley
Lucky Canadian Intensivist who is happiest whenever outdoors or laughing. Thinks life is about finding meaning and showing gratitude: even if I don’t always succeed. So pleased to be here sharing ideas and encouraging community.
Liz Crowe
Liz Crowe has two and a half decades of expertise in grief, crisis, end of life care, bereavement work and staff wellbeing in pediatric critical care environments. Liz currently works at a tertiary adult hospital providing consultation, coaching, counselling and education for staff wellbeing. She is in the absolute final stages of completing her PhD examining risk and protective factors for staff wellbeing in critical care. Liz is a published academic involved in multiple research projects nationally and internationally focussing on the wellbeing of staff and the impact of COVID on clinicians. Liz is a passionate and humorous educator who regularly speaks internationally. Liz is the successful author of ‘The Little Book of Loss and Grief You Can Read While You Cry’. She is a proud member of the St Emlyn’s education team and an active member of #FOAMed, and can be found on Twitter @LizCrowe2.
Hugh Montgomery
Hugh is ICU Professor at University College London, with a Nature papers describing the first gene for human fitness. He has been involved in environment/health issues for 20 years, and chairs the Welcome Trust/Lancet Countdown on Climate and Health. He’s a father of two, a mountaineer and a fading ultra-marathon runner, and the author of two childrens’ books and a thriller (out Aug 2019). He also holds the world record in underwater piano playing.
