I Can't Leave the Icu to Go Do Yoga

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Staff in paediatric critical care (PCC) experience higher levels of burnout and moral distress than other healthcare professionals. PCC consultants face unique challenges, supporting the wider team, making critical decisions as part of that team. Previous research, largely focused on nurses and trainee medical professionals, has predominantly collected quantitative data. This study aimed to understand the wellbeing experiences of PCC consultants working in the United Kingdom. METHOD(S) An exploratory qualitative design was used to interview consultants working in PCC between April 2021 and June 2021. Interviews were conducted by a researcher independent to healthcare. RESULT(S) Eleven PCC consultants took part from 9 PCC units or critical care transport services. Years of experience as a consultant ranged from 4 to 23. Within this data eight key themes emerged across the data 1) Positive & negative impact of working during COVID 19 2) Job satisfaction & scrutiny in the unique environment of PCC 3) Ageing workforce and shift work 4) Support and recognition from the Trust 5) Successful coping strategies are personal & adaptive 6) Importance of civility & staff retention for good teamwork 7) Recognition of the cumulative effect of stressors in and out of work 8) Recommendations for future solutions to enhance wellbeing involve being heard, seen, supported and personal growth CONCLUSION(S) The study highlights the critical areas to be addressed on a local and national level. Addressing these will allow PCC consultants to thrive at work. Further intervention based research is needed.