Researchers have developed two straightforward and easy-to-implement sessions designed to enhance the wellbeing of personnel working in pediatric critical care (PCC) units within UK hospitals.
The Staff Wellbeing (SWell) initiative, spearheaded by Aston University researchers in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital and NHS England, has created two uncomplicated, easily deliverable sessions aimed at boosting the wellbeing of staff in paediatric critical care (PCC) units across UK hospitals.
PCC professionals commonly face substantial moral distress, symptoms indicative of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and burnout, yet they often find minimal support for their mental health issues. The SWell team from Aston University, led by Professor Rachel Shaw of the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment, discovered through literature research that there were no existing, evidence-based approaches specifically tailored to enhance PCC staff wellbeing. The initial efforts from SWell pinpointed the essential elements that could lead to successful intervention designs.
Collaborating with a team from NHS England, the Aston University researchers initiated the SWell Collaborative Project: Interventions for Staff Wellbeing in Paediatric Critical Care, targeting PCC units across England and Scotland. The project’s goal was to assess the feasibility and appeal of implementing wellbeing interventions for professionals in PCC settings within UK hospitals. A total of 14 out of the 28 UK PCC units participated, resulting in 104 intervention sessions, which attracted 573 attendees.
Professor Shaw remarked:
“The importance of healthcare staff wellbeing came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is an issue that has persisted long before that time. From our perspective, researchers have mainly concentrated on evaluating the problem rather than investigating potential solutions. The SWell project was launched to comprehend the challenges to wellbeing in pediatric critical care settings, to ascertain what support is needed in that high-pressure environment, and to identify practical, day-to-day strategies for making a positive impact. Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of PCC staff from nearly half of the pediatric critical care units in the UK toward making the SWell interventions successful has been one of the proudest moments of my academic career.”
The two tested wellbeing sessions require minimal resources and low intensity, making them easy for staff to deliver to one another without needing specialized training.
In the ‘Wellbeing Images’ session, a small group of staff views images associated with wellbeing, followed by a guided discussion utilizing appreciative inquiry—a method that frames conversations around creating positive change by focusing on successful elements rather than problems.
In the ‘Mad-Sad-Glad’ session, another small group session, participants discuss feelings of anger, sadness, and joy, while pinpointing constructive actions to tackle any issues that arise.
The essential components of both sessions include social support—creating a safe psychological space for staff to share their experiences and emotions openly and without judgment, fostering mutual support; self-belief—enhancing staff confidence and their ability to identify and communicate their feelings in work-related situations; and feedback and monitoring—encouraging staff to observe sources of stress, moments of emotional difficulty, and identifying ways to enhance their wellbeing in such circumstances.
Participants involved in the SWell interventions reported overwhelmingly positive feedback, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction and feasibility. They appreciated that the sessions facilitated candid conversations, created opportunities for connection among colleagues, and led to generating solutions and mutual support.
A hospital staff member involved in delivering the sessions commented:
“Our staff engaged exceptionally well, and it generated excitement in the unit, with team members inquiring if they could participate in the ‘SWell’ sessions during their shifts. It was an incredibly positive experience, and we intend to incorporate it into our staff wellbeing programs.”
The research team concluded that even in busy PCC units, implementing SWell sessions is indeed feasible. Additionally, after these sessions, staff showed improvements in their wellbeing and reported lower levels of depression, suggesting a beneficial effect on staff. More evaluations are necessary to understand if these positive changes can be maintained in the long term following the SWell sessions.
This study received funding from the Aston University Proof of Concept Fund and NHS England.
Donna Austin, an advanced critical care practitioner at the pediatric intensive care unit of University Hospital Southampton, expressed:
“We were relatively new to establishing wellbeing initiatives, but we recognized the necessity for implementing measures aimed at enhancing staff wellbeing, as many had reported experiencing burnout, stress, and negative moods. SWell has helped our unit gain a deeper understanding of workforce needs and adapt our offerings to meet staff requirements wherever possible. The most significant outcomes for us from participating in the SWell study have been improved staff morale and retention, alongside ongoing SWell-related activities.”
