Voices from the field: Conversations with health care workers on supporting staff mental health during COVID-19
In these video interviews, health care workers share challenges, activities and recommendations in supporting staff mental health during COVID-19. As part of the ‘Stories from the field’ blog series, a collaboration between MHIN and the World Health Organization (WHO), these videos highlight innovations in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Miri General Hospital - Sarawak, Malaysia
Dr Raja Lope Adam is a Psychiatrist and the MHPSS Team Leader at Miri General Hospital. To support staff during the pandemic, the team has developed a buddy system, a Rest N’ Go Lounge and an informational workbook with activities. Learn more about the MHPSS Team’s activities in Dr Adam’s blog post.
Public Health System - Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Dr Anita Marini is an Executive Psychologist with the Public Health System of the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. She shares challenges in supporting staff and recommendations for incorporating MHPSS messages and activities across teams and wards. Learn more in Dr Marini’s blog post.
Interactive Research & Development - Pakistan
Interactive Research & Development (IRD) is a public health research and service delivery organisation. IRD Pakistan works to improve the access and quality of health services in under-resourced communities. Country Director, Aneeta Pasha shares challenges in providing mental health support to front-line workers, such as the need to remove and put on personal protective equipment (PPE). She describes activities to support staff, including peer support WhatsApp groups and relaxation spaces in hospitals. Follow IRD on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
NHS Crisis Team - London, UK
Dr Emmeline Lagunes Cordoba is a Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with a National Health Service (NHS) Crisis Team in north London, UK. She describes the challenges faced by staff, including initial lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) and attrition due to COVID-19 infection, and shares activities that have helped boost team morale and alleviate stress.
Organisational Development Unit - Curicó, Chile
Claudio Vásquez Salinas is a Psychologist with the Organisational Development Unit (UDO) of the Communal Health Department of Curicó, Chile. He describes activities the unit has implemented to support the mental health of health care workers, including short videos, workshops in the field and an online training. Follow UDO Curicó on Facebook and Instagram.
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