Thread by @laxswamy

Having discussions about clinician/resident well-being through #COVID19. Bottom line: we know we can help and we are eager to. But we need a strong, thriving workforce, and neglecting well-being compromises our ability to deliver the best care. Some thoughts below... [thread]

- A sense of heroism may lead to overwork & exhaustion rather than an efficient well-rested workforce. We have to be aware and keep people safe & well rested.
- this might also contribute to spread of contagion; exhaustion may lead to more breaches in containment.

- There are many ways to help pts & colleagues. Beyond the COVID tents there are all the other pts who need care & can't come in. Working the phones to reach pts at home is just as critical as vent management. We still need to care for chronic disease: this is saving lives too!

- I would feel awful being stuck at home with a mild illness/exposure while colleagues kept working-- also would hate being quarantined at work away from family. What can we do to be proactive about the effects of quarantine? How can we support our colleagues while quarantined?

- Some of our staff may be more or less suited to treat pts w COVID- it may not be equitable. Protect immunosuppressed & elderly, but what if you're pregnant or caring for an elderly parent at home? People shouldn't face moral distress over these decisions- need clear guidance.

Thinking about well-being is critical when we're going to expect a lot more of ourselves and our staff. As many of us await the pandemic to hit home, keep in mind that we need to be in this for the long haul, and that means thinking hard about caring for our staff. /End

Example-- while doffing protective equipment you make an error and risk contamination. In a culture of psychological safety you should be able to say "I'm so tired I made a mistake. What should I do?"

Without it, you just walk away quietly, exhausted and overwhelmed.