The importance of small things and colleagues: Enhancing the wellbeing of healthcare staff, an Appreciative Inquiry in an integrated UK maternity service.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify factors that enhanced staff wellbeing in an integrated UK maternity service. Background Staff wellbeing affects the experience of patients, quality and safety of services, and staff retention. Global healthcare staff shortage means we need to find ways to support staff, enable them to thrive and remain in professional practice. High levels of stress, depression, burnout, presenteeism, rising sickness rates, attrition and staff shortages have, however, been reported in maternity services. It is, therefore, critical to care for existing staff and supporting their wellbeing. Methods Appreciative Inquiry interviews (n=39) and group discussions (n=4) were conducted with a cross section of midwifery, medical and maternity support staff, most of whom worked in community teams as well as the inpatient and midwife-led unit. Staff were asked about best experiences, what they valued about their work and what made a difference to their wellbeing. Initial thematic analyses by the research team were shared with the participants and maternity team for refining in a process of co-analysis. Findings Despite workload and staffing pressures midwives, doctors, students and maternity support workers were highly motivated and passionate about their work. Five themes related to staff wellbeing were identified: Everything we need to do our work practically and psychologically; Meaning – in our work and relationships; Opportunities to learn and grow; Finding our niche; Agency – able to take care of ourselves. In addition, this study revealed the important contribution that kindness and collegiality, feedback and psychological safety, made to staff wellbeing including professional confidence. Our findings demonstrated that every maternity healthcare provider has the power to make a difference to the wellbeing of their colleagues, to contribute to the safety of the service and staff retention. An outline of practical recommendations for improving staff wellbeing is provided.