In Harm's Way: Caring for Surgical Teams in War

Description

In this presentation, Richard Williams discusses the crucial concept of psychological safety in times of stress, particularly relevant in high-pressure environments like healthcare and emergency services. He emphasizes the importance of having a supportive space to reflect and gather strength, ideally shared with trusted colleagues. Williams highlights the necessity for leaders to ensure their teams feel safe and have opportunities to express their thoughts during challenging times, as seen during crises like war and the COVID-19 pandemic.



Williams stresses that caregivers often overlook their own mental health while under pressure, reminding them of the importance of kindness to themselves and others. He outlines the need for sustaining social connections amid stress, addressing moral distress, and maintaining supervision and training even during crises. He emphasizes the significance of social support in coping with distress and outlines common reactions to extreme stress, including isolation, guilt, and cognitive impairments.



The presentation also categorizes stresses into primary and secondary types, cautioning against solely attributing staff stress to direct experiences in their roles. Williams introduces a proactive approach to managing these stresses through early interventions and social support, referencing the PIES framework – emphasizing proximity, immediacy, expectancy, and simplicity in providing assistance.



Ultimately, Williams advocates for creating a culture of caring within healthcare teams, ensuring that all members have access to peer support programs and are empowered in their roles to combat the mental health challenges posed by extreme stress.

DOI: 10.1302/3114-230062

Specialties