Wellbeing intervention and support priorities for healthcare workers and their families: A Delphi consensus study
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Healthcare systems across the developed world are facing significant challenges, including staffing shortages and poor workforce retention, exacerbated by increased demand for services, suboptimal working conditions, and high rates of psychological distress. To inform strategic investments in workforce retention, we explored the mental health, wellbeing, and family support needs and priorities of Australian hospital-based healthcare workers and their partners. Methods A Delphi methodology, consisting of three rounds, was completed by lived experience expert panels of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) and their partners. The first round of semi-structured interviews (n = 33) identified support needs, after which a content analysis was completed to identify and organise key terms. Lists of mental health, wellbeing, and family supports were then created on the basis of these data, revised by a Project Advisory Group and circulated to the lived experience panels in subsequent rounds. In Rounds 2 (n = 93) and 3 (n = 59), the lists of wellbeing, mental health, and family supports were ranked and re-ranked based on the perceived need, desirability and overall value of each support. Results Preferred mental health supports included: i) clear referral pathways for mental health support; ii) regular clinical supervision and professional development; and iii) mental health training for leaders and managers. Wellbeing supports preferred by participants included: i) fair compensation for overtime; ii) reduction in double shifts; and iii) flexible work arrangements. Preferred family supports included: i) advanced stable rostering; ii) low-cost family intervention; and iii) support for work/life balance. Conclusions Preferred supports across the three domains were practical, focussing on important organisation and system level changes. Reviewing workplace practices to better support work-family balance, fostering a community of practice, and streamlining referral processes for staff requiring intensive mental health support, are critical measures to improve staff retention and maintain the stability of healthcare systems across the developed world. Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
Source: Research Square
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7167840558