New guidelines launched to improve wellbeing of healthcare workforce

Developed by researchers from the University of Leicester, and funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands, the new guidance was unveiled during an interactive webinar on Monday, March 23. 

The online event discussed smart, practical, evidence-based strategies, designed to embed and sustain positive changes that enhance staff wellbeing and patient safety. 

During the webinar, researchers also presented key findings from their global scoping review and qualitative study, highlighting their approaches to keeping workforce wellbeing at the forefront for lasting impact.

Previous evidence shows that poor psychological health among the global healthcare workforce has a measurable negative effect on patient safety.

Dr Grace Tidmarsh, Research Associate at the NIHR ARC East Midlands and the University of Leicester, and Dr Jennifer Creese, Lecturer at the NIHR ARC East Midlands and the University of Leicester, co-authored the guidelines. 

Dr Tidmarsh said: “Looking after the wellbeing of healthcare staff is not just the right thing to do, it is essential for delivering safe, high-quality care. 

“These guidelines provide practical, evidence-based ways to make staff wellbeing a lasting part of everyday practice, supporting those whose work is both emotionally and physically demanding.”

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of the NIHR ARC East Midlands and Professor of Primary Care, Diabetes and Vascular Medicine at the University of Leicester, said: “Healthcare is complex and challenging, and staff face enormous pressures every day. 

“Poor psychological health among the workforce directly affects patient safety. This guidance moves beyond knowing what works, it shows how to embed effective wellbeing initiatives into the culture of NHS organisations for real, lasting impact.”

NIHR ARC East Midlands funds vital work to tackle the region’s health and care priorities by speeding up the adoption of research onto the frontline of health and social care. The organisation puts in place evidence-based innovations which seek to drive up standards of care and save time and money.

NIHR ARC East Midlands is hosted by the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust with the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham, working in collaboration with Health Innovation East Midlands.

To access the new guidelines, click here.