Newswise — CLEVELAND – Physicians, nurses and other caregivers in the medical setting have responded to the COVID-19 crisis in ways that are impossible to appropriately recognize. No entity could ever repay the amount of service, support and time caregivers have dedicated to patients and their communities throughout this pandemic. Nevertheless, University Hospitals (UH) has made it a priority to care for the well-being of staff during this difficult time. The Healthy Business Council of Ohio (HBCO) has recognized UH for demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being through comprehensive worksite health promotion and well-being programs, bestowing its Healthy Worksite Gold Award.
“The role of the caregiver is stressful even in the best of times. For nearly two years, this work has been harder and yet more important than ever,” said Cliff A. Megerian, MD, FACS, CEO of University Hospitals Health System. “Caregivers take on an emotional toll when working with patients who are often isolated from their family members. We have provided innovative resources to help our caregivers care for their own physical and emotional well-being, so they can in turn provide the best care to our patients.”
Driven by a collaborative, system-wide effort from UH Connor Whole Health, Population Health, and Human Resources, UH has developed activities and education programs for caregivers that emphasize whole health, well-being and self-care. Specifically, UH’s Employee Assistance Program provides caregivers with personal, financial and professional confidential counseling support. UH has implemented the Adopt-a-Floor Program to share support and gratitude for clinical caregivers with notes of appreciation, snacks and small gifts. More than 30,000 caregivers receive a UH4YOU Self-Care Toolbox email three to five times each week, which includes resources, self-care tips and mood boosters. Caregivers can take a moment to relax and regroup in lavender aromatherapy rooms at multiple hospital locations. Employees can take advantage of free virtual classes like acupressure, chair yoga and guided meditation. Additionally, UH Connor’s Licensed Massage Therapists travel to sites throughout the UH system upon a manager’s request, to help employees reduce tension and enhance well-being through seated massage therapy.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of self-care to the forefront for everyone, but especially caregivers in the medical setting,” said Francoise Adan, MD, Chief Whole Health & Well-being Officer at University Hospitals; Director, UH Connor Whole Health; and Christopher M. & Sara H. Connor Chair in Integrative Health. “In 2021, UH continued delivering meaningful and successful programs to ensure continuous improvement in satisfaction for our caregivers.”
UH is among 119 Ohio employers to receive this award and will be additionally honored during HBCO’s 2022 Virtual In-Value-Able Conference Series on February 10. All applications for this award were reviewed and evaluated using objective criteria, including the extent the well-being programs facilitated and encouraged employee health, enhanced productivity and ensured a healthy work environment.
Recently, hospitalizations have surged to the highest levels encountered throughout the pandemic. This is putting new and even higher demands on caregivers. UH encourages all people to help relieve this stress by getting vaccinated, which is the best way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.
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About UH Connor Whole Health
UH Connor Whole Health is part of University Hospitals (UH), a comprehensive health system with annual revenues in excess of $5.0 billion, 23 hospitals (including 5 joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices located throughout 16 counties. UH’s goal is to be the most trusted health care partner in Northeast Ohio and UH Connor Whole Health furthers this objective by working to strengthen relationships between patients and providers to improve outcomes. The Whole Health approach prioritizes compassionate care centered on the patient’s entire well-being. The health care provider’s goal is to equip and empower each patient to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual health in order to live a full and meaningful life. Linking the patient’s larger purpose and life goals to their lifestyle allows clinical services, integrative medicine, and well-being programs to be delivered in a way that increases collaboration, motivation, and adherence to self-care and clinical needs. UH Connor Whole Health services include acupuncture, art therapy, chiropractic, expressive therapy (art, dance, and music), guided imagery, integrative medicine/lifestyle medicine consultations (adult and pediatric), massage therapy, meditation, mindfulness, osteopathic sports rehabilitation, stress management and resilience training workshops and yoga. For more information, visit UH Hospitals.org/ConnorWholeHealth. Follow UH Connor Whole Health on LinkedIn.
About University Hospitals / Cleveland, Ohio Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 23 hospitals (including 5 joint ventures), more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and over 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system’s flagship quaternary care, academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Oxford University and the Technion Israel Institute of Technology. The main campus also includes the UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; UH MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and UH Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, with more than 3,000 active clinical trials and research studies underway. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including “America’s Best Hospitals” from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to 19 Clinical Care Delivery and Research Institutes. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with more than 30,000 employees. Follow UH on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. For more information, visit UHhospitals.org.
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