SUPPORT AND WELLBEING IN THE ACUTE SETTING                 

Sarah McRobbie1, Priti Nagdeve1, Mairead Black1, Asha Shetty1, Tara Fairley1   

1 Aberdeen Maternity Hospital

INTRODUCTION

Labour ward can be a challenging environment and it is recognised that ‘well supported staff teams are better able to consistently deliver kind and compassionate care’ [1].  An audit project was undertaken in Aberdeen Maternity to determine if staff felt they had a support system and where they received timely feedback and acknowledgement of good work.  

AIM

To identify where we could implement changes to positively impact on support and feedback

METHODS

Audit questionnaire undertaken from 28th January to end March 2022

Anonymous paper questionnaire forms completed and analysed using excel software

RESULTS

64 respondents included staff groups across all disciplines and grades working on labour ward as main base

Timely feedback (Figure 1)

Was reported to be given Always 9.4%, Often 34.4%, Sometimes 32.8%, Seldom 17.2%, Never 4.9%

Recognition of good work  (Figure 2)

Formally recognised - Always 14%, Often 32.8%, Sometimes 26.6%, Seldom 25%, Never 1.6%

Informally recognised - Always 1.6%, Often 7.9%, Sometimes 35%, Seldom 44.4%, Never 11.1%

‘mostly constructive - not positive’  and ‘constructive given quicker than positive’        

‘if it's negative - it's given !!’

Support system (Figure 3)

83% felt they had a support system  to contact for advice and feedback

'Good network from Colleagues and support or advice available readily’

‘Not someone specific but have a good support system at work with colleagues ….’

‘feedback received formally extremely supportive and makes you want to keep the good work up’

DISCUSSION

Many respondents reported positive experiences and good support from a variety of staff across the multi-disciplinary team.  However, 17% felt they did not have a support system.

 Formal and Informal feedback is given but  not always readily given.

Positive feedback sometimes less likely to be given than constructive feedback.  Labour ward is a busy environment and timely feedback can be difficult but it is recognised that evidence of ‘good work’ and reflection is important for appraisals and revalidation but importantly feedback and support are key aspects of  teamwork and maintaining staff morale.

2 key areas where changes are being introduced to reflect audit findings are:

1. Creating opportunities for feedback

2. Ensuring all staff are supported