Healing in Healthcare Reflective Discussion

SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com. 

In this episode, Mariam and Melany engage in a reflective discussion following an insightful interview with Doctors Zoe Wang and Iona Morrison, who lead a healing and healthcare retreat for professionals. The conversation delves into the importance of holistic care, active listening, and the need to view patients as whole individuals within their communities. Mariam shares her transformative experience at the retreat, highlighting the power of vulnerability and connection among healthcare professionals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Active listening is highlighted as a crucial skill for healthcare professionals. Taking the time to truly listen to patients fosters a sense of connection and trust, which can lead to better health outcomes.

• The concept of social prescribing is introduced as a way to address mental health and well-being by connecting patients with community resources and activities, promoting social interaction and engagement.

• The retreat experience underscores the value of community among healthcare professionals. Sharing vulnerabilities and building connections can lead to personal growth and a supportive work environment.

• The conversation touches on the need for sustainable practices within the healthcare system, such as reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly solutions, which can also enhance the overall quality of care.

BEST MOMENTS

"Zoe was really good at describing how even in the short time that we have in the consultation, we can still address people as a whole, not just as a whole person, but a person in their environment."

"Our brains haven't evolved since we were hunter-gatherers, and we are designed to be our best in communities."

"Social prescribing is something that equalizes the playing field, giving patients opportunities to build community and make friendships."

"There's an assumption that, of course, we're going to actively listen, but with the pressures that everyone operates under, the pull is to be scrabbling for a solution immediately."

"Being together in a community saves lives. Isolation and loneliness are probably the biggest killer."

HOST BIO

Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time. 

Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.

If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.

PODCAST DESCRIPTION

SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:  

- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers  

- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc  

- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.  

This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.