Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong KW(1), Yuen SY(1), Pun KL(1), Chan LP(1), Chan WK(2), Cheung LM(3), Cheung Y(4), Fung HF(4), Jong CW(4), Leung, KH(4), Li SW(5), Tam WL(6), Tong YY(7)
Affiliation :
(1)Nursing Services Division, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (2)Department of Occupational Therapy, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (3)Administrative Services Division, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (4)Department of Medicine & Rehabilitation, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (5)Department of Physiotherapy, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (6)HCE’s office, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital (7)Department of Ophthalmology, Tung Wah Eastern Hospital
Introduction :
The purpose of Critical Incident Support Team (CIST) is to provide peer support and help to those among our hospital colleagues who are suffering from stresses and strains as the result of critical incidents. CIST members, the representatives from all departments at TWEH, including doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and allied health professionals, are always ready to assist their colleagues in an enlightened and caring way. In view of the need for staff who experience critical incidents is not widespread in recent years, TWEH CIST extended its role on staff caring, through several strategies and practices to further foster the harmonious and supportive culture in the hospital.
Objectives :
1.To promote harmonious culture within TWEH
2.To introduce the CIST services for all staff
3.To demonstrate support and care in TWEH
Methodology :
We identified the common needs of our staff and developed a diverse range of activities distributed evenly throughout the year, reaching all staff effectively and addressing their diverse needs. Firstly, to address the need for information about available services and resources, we established a food corner in the staff canteen and posted relevant details for easy access. Snacks and drinks were offered during special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Easter, and the Mid-Autumn Festival to demonstrate our care and support. Secondly, to facilitate connections with CIST when needed, an anniversary event was organized to introduce both CIST members and CIST services to entire staff. Additionally, we fostered a sense of belonging through department visits aimed at building trust and camaraderie, alongside festive events such as Christmas carol singing, game booths during the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Narcissus workshops in Chinese New Year. For nurses, the largest workforce in the hospital, recognition sessions were held during the International Nurses Day Ceremony to celebrate their outstanding contributions. Finally, to enhance individual health awareness, a health station was set up, featuring a BMI scale, blood pressure machine, and Amsler grid, reinforcing our commitment to the physical and psychological well-being of all staff.
Result & Outcome :
Feedback collected from staff interview has been overwhelmingly positive, with appreciation expressed for CIST's contributions.
Maintaining a healthy workforce in high-stress healthcare environments is crucial for both staff well-being and patient care. By fostering a supportive culture through variety of initiatives by CIST, connections among staff can be strengthened, ensuring that every member of TWEH feels valued and cared for.
Future activities will further nurture a culture of care at TWEH, helping to mitigate the impacts of high turnover rates and enhance team cohesion and ultimately leading to improved job satisfaction and better patient outcomes.
