Abstract
Background As a national health care system becomes overwhelmed, healthcare workers (HCWs) are challenged in unique ways. Healthcare workers have been found to experience heightened levels of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and suicidality, along with decreased attention to self-care. The present study reviews a health education and capacity-building workshop in Vietnam, which focused on teaching HCWs how to develop positive coping and self-care strategies. Methods The three-hour workshop was presented to 856 HCWs in August, 2021, and had learning objectives related emotional intelligence, burnout, compassion fatigue, PTSD, and practical tips for self-care. Participants were surveyed eight weeks after the workshop to measure their implementation of self-care practices. Participants provided numerous comments about the helpfulness of the self-care skills they learned. Results Eighty-six percent of participants either agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, I have applied what I learned about self-care to my self-care routine. Discussion Participants in the sample clearly reported that they were implementing self-care strategies; their comments strongly support that this practice was not only functional, but also meaningful. The workshop presentations specifically targeted the areas of building social support, developing positive coping styles and self-care, improving lifestyle habits, and focusing on service to community and meaning-making. The fact that the vast majority of participants reported using these skills in their work and professional lives is an important outcome. Conclusion The available evidence demonstrates that participants in the workshop have implemented new strategies in their self-care practices. International collaborators in other countries are encouraged to partner with in-country teams to market and organize similar programs, and to be prepared to address the ongoing needs of the communities they support.
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