Prevention and Stigma – Evidenced-Based Training Programs for Australian Healthcare Workers

By Alexandra Wilson, Griffith University, World Health Assembly, 2023

Alexandra is currently studying Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Griffith University. Her policy paper is on Prevention and Stigma – Evidenced-Based Training Programs for Australian Healthcare Workers

Executive Summary

This policy proposal aims to provide evidence-based solutions to the longstanding national

and international concerns of poor practitioner wellbeing and subsequent impacts on

patient safety. By prioritising a preventative approach to upskilling healthcare workers

(HCWs) in wellbeing, self-care strategies, suicide prevention and stigma training, this paper

aims to reduce the prevalence of symptoms and diagnoses consistent with depression,

anxiety, and burnout.

This paper proposes an approximate $1,500 per employee investment into the proposed

training strategies that is consistent with recent inflation increases, to prevent a $12,000 -

$16,000 per employee productivity loss to the healthcare system. Pre-existing and potential

barriers, like issues with passive learning, time poor healthcare staff, and the complex

nature of mental health conditions are addressed. The solutions of mandatory physician

self-care and wellbeing training modules along with mandatory self-care plan development

are proposed. Overall, the proposal aims to address a current gap in managing the mental

health and wellbeing of Australian healthcare workers, which can contribute to positively

decreasing the symptoms and diagnoses of mental health illnesses.

Click here for the full policy