BMJ Practice Pointer: Supporting healthcare workers with work related stress (16 November 2022)

Summary

This BMJ Practice Pointer discusses how we can support our colleagues with their mental health.

Content

What you need to know

• Work related stress is an important problem in the NHS workforce. Addressing the underlying cause, which may relate to factors such as workplace demand, relationships, and support is necessary for sustained recovery and full engagement with work.
• Healthcare workers may experience guilt or shame due to stigma, preventing them from seeking help if they experience work related mental illness.
• Time off work and workplace changes to control the triggers may be necessary to allow recovery and sustainable return to work.
• Healthcare workers experiencing work related stress can seek support from colleagues, their own GP, occupational health, and specialised services for healthcare workers such as local mental health and wellbeing hubs and NHS Practitioner Health.