Calling for Help—Peer-Based Psychosocial Support for Medical Staff by Telephone—A Best Practice Example from Germany

Dominik Hinzmann (), Andrea Forster, Marion Koll-Krüsmann, Andreas Schießl, Frederick Schneider, Tanja Sigl-Erkel, Andreas Igl and Susanne Katharina Heininger
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Dominik Hinzmann: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany
Andrea Forster: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany
Marion Koll-Krüsmann: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany
Andreas Schießl: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany
Frederick Schneider: Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany
Tanja Sigl-Erkel: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany
Andreas Igl: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany
Susanne Katharina Heininger: Association for Psychosocial Competence and Support in Acute Care-PSU-Akut, 81373 Munich, Germany

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 23, 1-11

Abstract: Background: A telephone support hotline (PSU-HELPLINE) was established at the beginning of the pandemic due to the burden on health professionals and the lack of support at the workplace. The aim of this study was to evaluate the telephone support service for health professionals in terms of its burden, benefits, and mechanisms of action. Methods: Data collection was conducted during and after calls by PSU-HELPLINE counsellors. In addition to the socio-demographic data evaluation, burdens of the callers and the benefits of the calls were collected. The content-analytical evaluation of the stresses as well as the effect factors were based on Mayring’s (2022). Results: Most of the callers were highly to very highly stressed. The usefulness of the conversation was rated as strong to very strong by both callers and counsellors. The PSU-HELPLINE was used primarily for processing serious events and in phases of overload. The support work was carried out through the following aspects of so-called effect factors, among others: psychoeducation, change of perspective, resource activation, problem actualization, connectedness, information, problem solving, self-efficacy, and preservation of resources. Conclusions: The expansion of local peer support structures and the possibility of a telephone helpline are recommended. Further research is needed.

Keywords: health worker safety; mental health; peer support; psychosocial support; support by telephone (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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