The components of an effective employee health and wellness programme in healthcare workers

Abstract

Background. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the predominant resource within any health system. Strengthening the health workforce requires ensuring optimum care of their health and wellbeing. This study will examine the published literature on this topic.

Objective. To identify the components of a workplace wellness programme for HCWs.

Methods. Major databases were searched for articles looking at components of health and wellness programmes for HCWs over a 10-year period. Selected articles were collated and summarised to form the basis of this review.

Results. This study found sparse literature on this topic. There are a number of legislative requirements related to occupational health services (OHSs). Employers should also explore opportunities to improve the health, wellbeing and lifestyle of workers within the working environment. This would require an adjustment of mindset to care for caregivers beyond the traditional OHS, and the inclusion of employee health and wellness programmes (EHWPs) within existing OHSs. Therefore, there is a need to generate evidence for the development of essential components of an EHWP to provide care for HCWs according to their needs. This would also provide insight into current EHWPs arising from policy and legislation, and would have the potential to transform them into more effective and efficient programmes by addressing the burden of disease and enhancing the benefits of providing healthcare services for HCWs.

Conclusion. There remains a gap in evidence regarding health and wellness programmes targeted at HCWs that cater for their unique healthcare needs.