Managing Stress and Promoting Self-Care in a Paediatric Outpatient Setting: An Autoethnographic Exploration
摘要
This chapter presents an autoethnographic exploration of managing stress within a paediatric outpatient hospital setting, drawing on personal experiences as both a clinician and a Team Leader. The chapter describes the challenges faced by a multidisciplinary team dealing with extensive wait lists, high patient demands, and administrative complexities. Through reflective narratives, the author examines key strategies that helped to alleviate stress, such as streamlining communication processes, managing patient flow, and fostering interprofessional cooperation. Special attention is given to addressing the personal stressors experienced by clinical staff, including the need for structured supervision, clear role definitions, and managing patient expectations. Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of fostering collaboration between healthcare professionals and external organisations, such as schools, to enhance service delivery. By detailing these organisational and personal stress management strategies, the chapter offers valuable insights into how healthcare systems can be optimised to improve staff well-being and patient care.