Psychological resilience in healthcare workers: A review of strategies and intervention

Rawlings Chidi 1, *, Adekunle Oyeyemi Adeniyi 2, Chioma Anthonia Okolo 3, Oloruntoba Babawarun 4 and Jeremiah Olawumi Arowoogun 5

¹ Parkville MO & North Kansas City Hospital, US State.
² United Nations Population Fund, Sri Lanka.
³ Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria.
⁴ Global Future Redemption Empowerment Foundation, Nigeria.
⁵ Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited Lagos, Nigeria.
 
Review
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 17(02), 387–395.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.17.2.0088
Publication history: 
Received on 13 January 2024; revised on 19 February 2024; accepted on 22 February 2024
 
Abstract: 
Healthcare workers face numerous stressors in their demanding and often emotionally taxing roles. The importance of psychological resilience in mitigating the impact of these stressors and promoting well-being has garnered increasing attention. This review aims to explore the various strategies and interventions designed to enhance psychological resilience in healthcare professionals. This comprehensive review synthesizes existing literature to provide insights into the factors influencing psychological resilience, strategies for bolstering resilience, and specific interventions tailored for healthcare workers. Additionally, the review evaluates the effectiveness of these interventions and discusses challenges and barriers to their implementation. A thorough examination of peer-reviewed articles, books, and relevant literature was conducted. The search focused on studies addressing psychological resilience in healthcare workers, with a particular emphasis on interventions and strategies employed to enhance resilience. The literature review encompasses diverse healthcare settings and professional roles. The review identifies individual and workplace factors influencing psychological resilience in healthcare workers. Various strategies, including training programs and support systems, are discussed in detail. Interventions, ranging from cognitive-behavioral techniques to mind-body approaches, are analyzed for their effectiveness. Evaluation measures and outcomes are considered to assess the impact of these interventions on healthcare professionals. The review highlights challenges faced by both individuals and healthcare organizations in implementing resilience interventions. Individual resistance, as well as organizational constraints and limited resources, are explored as potential barriers to the successful implementation of resilience programs. The paper identifies research gaps and suggests emerging areas of study in the field of psychological resilience for healthcare workers. Recommendations for policymakers, advocating for the integration of resilience programs into healthcare policies, are discussed. The review also emphasizes the importance of addressing the long-term effects of resilience interventions. It contributes to the growing body of literature on psychological resilience in healthcare workers. By synthesizing evidence-based strategies and interventions, it provides valuable insights for both practitioners and policymakers. Enhancing psychological resilience among healthcare professionals is crucial for sustaining a resilient healthcare workforce, ultimately improving the overall well-being and performance of those dedicated to patient care.
 
Keywords: 
Psychology; Resilience; Healthcare; Workers; Strategies; Intervention
 
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