Evidence-based strategies to improve and monitor healthcare professionals’ well-being and their work environment

Abstract

The well-being of healthcare professionals is under increasing strain, making it a critical factor for the sustainability of healthcare systems. Rising pressures and persistent shortage of staff highlights the need to ensure that healthcare professionals are supported, both for their own health and for the quality and safety of patient care. This thesis consists of three key areas: understanding the current state of healthcare professionals’ well-being, identifying reliable tools to measure it, and exploring interventions to improve it. The research shows that well-being is influenced by multiple factors, including career perspectives, workload, care complexity, collaboration in teams, and perceived support. Although physicians, nurses, and students experience these factors differently, their well-being is consistently linked to patient satisfaction, the organization of care, social support, and team dynamics. The findings reveal that well-being is a multidimensional concept that cannot be captured by one single instrument. This underscores the need for integrated approaches, stronger theoretical foundations, and better evidence on what truly works. While many interventions exist to support individuals, system-level strategies, particularly those focused on teams and support, show the most promise. Strengthening these initiatives through robust research designs can enhance their impact and scalability. Ultimately, this thesis lays the foundation for a sustainable, evidence-based transformation of the healthcare work environment, shaping the future of care around the well-being of those who deliver it.