Geisinger Recognized for Promoting Healthcare Worker’s Well-being
The American Medical Association (AMA) recently awarded Geisinger Health System with the ‘Joy in Medicine Recognition’ for its exceptional efforts to promote the health and well-being of its healthcare workers. The Pennsylvania-based health system has been instrumental in addressing issues concerning healthcare worker burnout, fostering an environment promoting well-being, and supporting the mental health needs of its staff in the challenging times of a global pandemic.
Addressing the Pandemic Stress
Covid-19 has put an extraordinary amount of stress on healthcare workers globally. It has demanded the utmost dedication, commitment, and compassion from healthcare professionals while jeopardizing their mental health due to demanding hours, resource constraints, and the emotional burden of seeing patients suffer. Geisinger has taken significant steps to address this issue and ensure the health and well-being of its staff during these complex times.
Geisinger’s Efforts Towards Employee Well-being
Geisinger has made considerable strides in implementing programs that prioritize the mental health of its employees. These initiatives involve offering resources for stress management, building resilience, and creating a supportive work environment. The MyStrength program, for example, is designed to help professionals handle stress, anxiety, insomnia, and mood disorders. This digital platform provides evidence-based tools to manage mental health during these trying times.
The health system also developed ‘Resiliency Rounds,’ which are sessions designed to foster a team-based approach to resilience and overcome healthcare related stress. The Resiliency Rounds provided a structured forum for healthcare workers to share experiences and learn from each other. By creating a safe space for communication, they aimed to reduce the sense of isolation often felt by healthcare professionals. Through these initiatives, Geisinger demonstrated its commitment to promoting a caring and supportive culture that places a high priority on employee well-being.
Recognition by the AMA
The AMA recognized Geisinger’s efforts through the ‘Joy in Medicine Recognition.’ This prestigious recognition celebrates healthcare organizations that have established strategies and ground-breaking practices that improve physician satisfaction and reduce burnout. Inclusion in the program requires the organization to demonstrate its commitment to improving healthcare worker well-being at a systemic level, which Geisinger accomplished through its extensive efforts.
Why It Matters
Caring for the caregivers is crucial when it comes to healthcare. A sound mental health condition is vital for healthcare professionals to provide the best care for their patients. By addressing burnout and stress and promoting a culture of well-being, organizations like Geisinger ensure that their healthcare workers are in the best position to deliver high-quality patient care. The recognition from AMA signifies the importance of such efforts and hopefully motivates other healthcare organizations to follow suit.
Looking Ahead
Geisinger’s recognition is an important step forward in the trend of prioritizing healthcare worker well-being. However, there is an ongoing need for such initiatives nationwide. The spotlight on healthcare worker mental health has become more critical in recent years, particularly due to Covid-19, and requires further commitment from healthcare systems globally. The success of Geisinger’s programs may serve as a model for other organizations to implement similar strategies, helping to foster a healthier and more supportive workplace for healthcare professionals worldwide.
Original Article: https://www.geisinger.org/about-geisinger/news-and-media/news-releases/2023/10/04/13/17/geisinger-honored-by-ama-for-promoting-well-being-of-health-care-workers
