4. Complete review and survey

The Psychosocial Survey for Healthcare (PSH) is a brief, voluntary, confidential, online survey asking staff throughout the organization or a work area to provide their perspective on the fifteen psychosocial factors within their particular workplace. The items are based on the recognition that healthcare staff have unique and valuable perspectives based on their experience in their position and work environment. The survey also recognizes that staff at all levels in a healthcare organization are involved in decisions that impact the provision of care, whether it is delivered directly to patients or indirectly through management, administrative and other support services.

The survey contains statements about common healthcare work experiences. The items cover a range of topics including responsibilities, supports, relationships and leadership. Respondents are asked about their level of agreement with fifty items that measure each of the fifteen factors. In addition, they are asked three yes/no questions pertaining to experiences of discrimination, harassment/bullying and mistreatment due to a mental illness. The PSH is not a measure of stress, distress or mental health. No individual identifying information is asked. Survey results are analyzed and reported in an aggregate form.

The PSH is implemented by an individual or committee, designated by the healthcare organization, who is provided with the necessary knowledge, time and authority to conduct a survey. This may be administered to the organization as a whole or in specific areas.

The Organizational Review for Healthcare (ORH) is designed to determine your healthcare organization's current status and progress in creating and sustaining a psychologically healthy and safe workplace.

The ORH is completed by a staff person designated by the healthcare organization who is provided with the necessary time, support and access to information. In smaller organizations, work units or departments there may be easy access to relevant information and the staff-person may be able to complete this alone, though it can still be beneficial to consult with others who may have additional input. In larger organizations, it will definitely be important to consult with other key personnel individually or collectively to gather relevant information. This should include input from senior management and employee group representatives for the organization. Existing committees or task groups, such as an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) committee, can also be important participants in the process. If these don’t exist, the organization may want to create a task force to conduct the process. To complete the ORH, the staff designate will need documents with information relevant to healthcare worker and workplace psychological health and safety. These can include mission and values statements, health and safety reports, policies and procedures, and program and benefits descriptions.