Caring for the carers: Role of the chaplain in an interprofessional academic family medicine practice [Prendre soin des soignants: Le r?le de l'aum?nier au sein d'une pratique interdisciplinaire universitaire de médecine familiale]

摘要

Care for the carer. How many times have we read or heard this statement used in reference to health care professionals? This caring makes sense, but how is it accomplished, especially in view of the increasing complexity of patient illnesses, the creation of ever larger teams of health care providers, and fiscal realities? Appropriately remunerating staff and creating safe and supportive work environments are obvious starters, but we do not believe that these factors are enough. Stress or burnout due to the working environment can affect health care workers' job satisfaction, influence their intention to leave, cause a reduction in work hours, and even affect the quality of care provided to patients. The organization and culture of the health care workplace can have a considerable effect on the well-being of the professionals. Many business organizations have begun to provide chaplain services for employees to assist them with personal and professional problems.