Empowering Healthcare Workers: The Wellness Movement

February 2, 2023 Helal Medical

A joint effort by the Department of Health (DOH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Australian Government, “The Wellness Movement” is aimed at supporting Empowering Healthcare Workers. Support includes the mental health and well-being of over 3,000 healthcare workers in the Philippines. The initiative comes in response to WHO report, in October 2022, which revealed high levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental Health-Positive Culture for Empowering Healthcare Workers

The Wellness Movement focuses on integrating practical and behavioral approaches to enhance the well-being of healthcare workers, both in the workplace and beyond. It was launched with an on-site ceremony at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) and will be followed by virtual roll-outs of community pods in 30 public and private hospitals nationwide. The community pods serve as safe spaces for healthcare workers to promote wellness and practice self-care.

Low-Cost, Practical Tools for Self-Care

Healthcare workers, referred to as “Wellness Warriors,” are equipped with an array of low-cost tools designed to fit their specific needs and daily routines, making it easier for them to practice self-care and wellness. According to a pilot study, these tools have a positive impact on healthcare workers’ mental health variables.

Supporting Organizational Culture

The Wellness Movement not only focuses on individual well-being but also promotes a supportive, responsive, and empowering organizational culture for healthcare workers. The initiative includes strategies to sustain the community pods and monitor their impact on both individuals and healthcare facilities.

Improving Resilience and Wellness

“The Wellness Movement” is a step towards improving the resilience and wellness of the country’s healthcare workforce at both individual and organizational levels, said Dr. Graham Harrison, Officer-in-Charge, Office of the WHO Representative to the Philippines. The initiative is part of the larger efforts by the Australian Government to support the mental health and psychosocial services in the Philippines through Project BRAVE.

SUMMARY

The DOH, WHO, and Australian Government launched “The Wellness Movement” to support 3,000 Philippine healthcare workers’ mental health and well-being amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative provides low-cost tools and promotes a supportive workplace culture, with community pods in 30 hospitals across the country. The aim is to improve the mental health variables of healthcare workers and the health facilities they work in.