This module focuses on the ways in which team members can create an environment of support during challenging times, and introduces a tool which can be used by line managers, colleagues, and peers to hold meaningful and supportive conversations with staff after an adverse event has occurred.
Click on the button below to download the Emotional support in teams module package, which contains detailed information including instructions on how to run the workshop session, facilitator notes, and handouts.
This module also makes use of the Emotional support in teams facilitator presentation, which should be downloaded for use during the session. Please click here to download the facilitator presentation.
Please click the links below to download a modified version of this module which teams can use to conduct sessions via video conferencing rather than in-person.
Emotional Support in Teams remote session outline
Emotional Support in Teams remote handouts, poster example, and template
Emotional support in teams facilitator presentation
For guidance on facilitating this remote module via video conferencing software, please see the next section.
When running this remote module, participants may need to be separated into sub-groups for discussions. Please view this brief video conferencing note for guidance on how to do this.
Note that your organisation may have policies on which video conferencing tools are permitted to be used.
The aim of the session is for the team to reflect on, learn about, and discuss emotional support for staff following traumatic or adverse events. After the session, team members should feel more equipped to support each other when needed and have generated ideas for increasing and sustaining awareness of second victims within the team.
1-2 team members can facilitate discussions and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute. One facilitator can act as whiteboard/flip chart scribe to collect ideas and outputs, and identify common themes from discussions.
The session is structured as follows:
- Introduction (5 minutes)
- Video and reflection (5 minutes)
- Learning about emotional support (10 minutes)
- Group exercise (20 minutes)
- Team discussion on how to improve the emotional support within the team (20 minutes)
- Close of session (5 minutes)
Adverse events during work may have an emotional toll that impacts on staff’s professional and personal lives, reducing their ability to provide excellent care.1 Ensuring that adequate emotional support is given to team members following traumatic or adverse events will enable them to recover quickly and use the experience to strengthen their working practice in future.
References
- Serou N, Sahota L, Husband AK, et al. Systematic review of psychological, emotional and behavioural impacts of surgical incidents on operating theatre staff. BJS Open. 2017;1(4):106–113. Published 2017 Oct 26. doi:10.1002/bjs5.21