Sharing is Caring & Giving is Winning

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the defining health crisis of our generation. In the UK healthcare industry, where pre-pandemic surveys already demonstrated high levels of stress, it is imperative that actions are taken to support the mental wellbeing of staff from its expected psychological fallout. Feasible, low cost and time efficient interventions are warranted. Rewards-based incentives may carry promise. Our group distributed 129 free wellbeing packages to junior doctors in a busy London Hospital. Open-ended and anonymised surveys were used to gather qualitative data on their effect. Data was analysed thematically and collated into 5 core themes: Emotional Response, Reaction to Initiative, Reaction to Product Choice, Gratitude and Feeling Valued. Overall, the significant majority of respondents (n=50, 96%) were highly appreciative of the intervention, deeming it both useful and relevant to supporting their mental health. This study bears useful findings for other organisations looking to implement similar low-cost wellbeing strategies.