Pandemic Kindness Movement
Esteem
This level of the pyramid relates to feeling esteem for oneself and our desire to be valued and recognised. Most people flourish when their work is noticed, appreciated and valued.
The value of esteem to health workers is powerfully demonstrated by the simple communal act of clapping for carers, seen in countries around the world where health workers are providing treatment for rapidly growing numbers of COVID-19 patients. This collective recognition and gratitude by the community has been shown to boost wellbeing and promote human connection – building on love and belonging – during a period of social isolation.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many health workers into unfamiliar roles and situations. Being respected, recognised or thanked by others in the workplace and in the community is a genuine source of strength for health workers.
Once esteem is reached, the very top level of the pyramid relates to achieving our full potential personally and professionally, via contribution.
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“When my healthcare worker is safe, my health journey is safer”
To celebrate World Patient Safety Day 2020, this short clip reminds us of the importance of health professionals’ wellbeing and celebrates the remarkable work undertaken by healthcare workers this year.
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Frontline workers and COVID-19: Managing its impact on your self esteem and mental health
This information sheet from the Australian Psychological Society can help frontline workers to identify the specific challenges and stressors they are experiencing and their impact. In addition it also offers strategies to minimise and cope with the distress caused by your role during the pandemic.
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Ariadne Labs Serious Illness Care Program: COVID-19 Response Toolkit
Ariadne Labs have developed a toolkit to support health systems and clinicians in addressing the communication needs of patients in the community and those in the hospital. The toolkit also includes resources for patients to begin having these conversations with people they trust within their support networks.
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FACE COVID
This short video provides practical steps on how health workers can respond effectively to the fear, anxiety and worries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using acceptance and commitment therapy, internationally acclaimed ACT trainer Dr Russ Harris lists a series of practical steps to assist health professionals as they work in the COVID-19 environment.
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The science of happiness
In this one hour podcast, Sam Harris speaks to Yale Associate Professor Laurie Santos about the scientific study of happiness. They discuss topics including, people’s expectations about happiness, the influence of technology on social life, the often illusory significance of reaching goals and other topics.
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Small acts of kindness
Kindness can bring a sense of richness and fulfilment to our lives. A small act of kindness can be one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself and for others. Leading or communicating with kindness can look different for each person. This short video from NSW Health highlights the small acts of kindness towards patients and carers, and acknowledges the acts of kindness health workers do each and every day in their roles.
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COVID-19 communication skills: a playbook of vital talk tips
Vital Talk is a US-based not for profit organisation specialising in developing communication techniques for clinicians. A suite of free on-line resources is provided here to assist clinicians improve patient communication skills, with particular information about how to discuss difficult topics related to COVID-19. Downloadable PDFs and an app are also available.
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Acknowledging the contribution of nurses and midwives
Introduced by Jacqui Cross, NSW Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer, this video features nurses and midwives talking about their role and the care they provide to patients, particularly in the current environment.
The Pandemic Kindness Movement webpages are created by clinicians across Australia and hosted by the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI). Provision of these links and resources does not imply endorsement nor recommendation from the ACI or NSW Health.