An exploration of how healthcare professionals working within intensive care experience the factors which contribute to individual and relational well-being at work

Reading, Katie Hope

Abstract

This portfolio thesis consists of three parts: a systematic literature review, an empirical paper and appendices. The thesis seeks to explore the positive experiences associated with well-being in healthcare professionals working in the intensive care unit.
Part one-Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review explored well-being in healthcare professionals working in the intensive care unit. A systematic review of the literature identified twelve qualitative studies which met the inclusion criteria. A thematic synthesis was conducted to bring together the studies and a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP)assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Three analytical themes were identified: managing challenges, finding meaning and feeling supported at work. The findings showed that well-being is multi-faceted and intensive care staff use a range of resources inside and outside of work at the individual, team and organisational level to maintain their well-being. Clinical implications and areas for further research are explored.
Part two-Empirical Paper
The empirical paper explored how healthcare professionals working in the intensive care unit experience thriving and whether this is associated with relational support at work. A qualitative Constructivist Grounded Theory (CGT) methodology was utilised to generate a theory with clinical implications for supporting staff well-being at work. Twenty participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Four superordinate categories of challenge, energy, support and access emerged to describe how intensive care staff experience thriving at work. The findings also indicate that thriving was closely related to relational support at work as individual thriving was found to contribute to more integrated multi-disciplinary team working. The findings are discussed in the context of previous literature. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Part three-Appendices
The appendices provide additional information which support the systematic literature review and empirical paper. This also includes consideration of the role of the researcher which is discussed within a reflective and epistemological statement.

Citation

Reading, K. H. (2021). An exploration of how healthcare professionals working within intensive care experience the factors which contribute to individual and relational well-being at work. (Thesis). University of Hull. Retrieved from https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223563

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 27, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 24, 2023
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4223563
• Additional Information: Department of Psychological Health, Wellbeing and Social Work, The University of Hull
• Award Date: May 1, 2021