ID-5184 Wonca Abstracts supplement A-K 13-10-23 - Flipbook - Page 180
WONCA 2023 Supplement 1: WONCA 2023 abstracts (A–K)
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Enhancing physician wellbeing through social
connectedness and positive psychology: Recovery and
reconnection post-coronavirus pandemic
Col Kaine Diete-Spiff1, Dr Moyosore Makinde2, Dr Ogadinma Mba3
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Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, 2Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja,
Lagos, 3University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital
Aims
• To identify the activities that fostered positive social connections and positive psychology among
physicians during the pandemic.
• To explore the factors that enhance and undermine positive social connections and positive
psychology among physicians.
Background
Social connectedness is a fundamental pillar of lifestyle medicine that can boost positive psychology.
It refers to having a personal affiliation to a group, family or community and the quality of human
connections. Positive psychology harnesses these positive social connections for the overall wellbeing
of self and the society or group.
Humans seek social connections from birth, from being members of a family, indigenous community,
religious group and social network. The coronavirus pandemic fuelled the disruption of social
connections in the world; physicians were not exempt as they shouldered the responsibility of being
both caregivers and a pillar of strength. This may have culminated in job dissatisfaction, anxiety,
depression and burnout, and heightened the risk of suicide.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, how are physicians faring? Physicians need to understand the need to
be in tune with self, bond with family, friends and colleagues in other to have a more fulfilling life.
Methods
Campfire session using a PowerPoint presentation and Slido interactive software, breakout interactive
sessions and post-workshop report.
Conclusion
Positive social connections and positive psychology are significant factors that promote wellbeing.
Studies show that it can reduce the risk of mental health challenges among physicians and
simultaneously improve wellbeing, productivity and approach to patient care.
The coronavirus pandemic was an opportune season to learn that individuals need to connect in order
to grow and thrive both emotionally and intellectually.
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