Enhancing the wellbeing of healthcare staff: Appreciative Inquiry in an integrated UK maternity service

Summary

Staff wellbeing affects the experience of patients, quality and safety of services, and staff retention. Global healthcare staff shortages mean we need to enable staff to thrive and remain in professional practice. High levels of stress, depression, burnout, attrition and staff shortages have been reported in maternity services. It is, therefore, critical to find ways to support the wellbeing of existing staff. The aim of this study was to identify factors that enhanced staff wellbeing in an integrated UK maternity service.

Content

Appreciative Inquiry interviews and group discussions were conducted with a cross-section of midwifery, medical and maternity support staff, working in community teams, the inpatient and midwife-led unit. Interviews explored best experiences, values and what made a difference to wellbeing. Data was co-analysed thematically by the research team, participants and midwifery staff.

Despite workload and staffing pressures midwives, doctors, students and maternity support workers were highly motivated and passionate about their work. Five staff wellbeing themes were identified:

• Everything we need to do our work practically and psychologically.

• Meaning – in our work and relationships.

• Opportunities to learn and grow.

• Finding our niche.

• Agency – able to take care of ourselves.

This study also revealed the important contribution that kindness, collegiality, feedback and psychological safety, made to staff wellbeing including professional confidence. The findings suggest that every healthcare provider can make a difference to their colleagues wellbeing, contribute to the safety of the service and staff retention. An outline of practical recommendations for improving staff wellbeing is provided.