COVID-19 has forever changed the health care industry

Posted by my formation on April 16, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the health care industry.

We’ve witnessed trauma and tragedy, glimmers of hope and joy, and when the time is right all of us will have stories to tell about the miracles we performed to save patients’ lives.

The pandemic is going to leave a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of healthcare workers worldwide. At formation, we’re more than just a scrubs company. Part of our mission is to provide resources and tools to our community that focus on improving mental wellbeing. Like a rock formation, we are stronger together—especially when we support one another and are in turn supported by our communities.

We’ve compiled (and will continue to compile) mental health resources for our community. We encourage you to check out these events, articles, and videos, for helpful tools and resources to support your mental health:

Event: Understory - Aftermath
This is an “I’m done with the pandemic” burnout course for women docs. One-month Mainpro+ CME accredited narrative medicine and life coaching course.

Next session begins May 31.

Learn more

Event: Alberta Doctors - Now is the Time to Practice a Just Culture in Healthcare
The concept of a Just Culture in healthcare has been described for over 20 years, but still has not been implemented universally or consistently. The session will explore what a Just Culture is and what it looks like.

Session takes place May 17.

Learn more

Video: I’m Tired of the Pandemic
Short, yet very relatable video.

Watch it here

Article: Physicians and the Midlife Dip by Beverly Joyce, MD
The midlife “slump,” “crisis,” or “malaise” phenomenon is actually something that has been studied and written about a lot in the last 40+ years. The article digs into how the midlife dip affects the medical industry.

When formation’s website launches soon, we will have an entire section dedicated to mental health resources available at no cost to our community. Until then, we encourage you to share this email, invite your colleagues, friends, and family to sign-up for our email list and connect with us if you have mental health resources, events, or CMEs, you’d like us to share.

Stay safe. Be well.
We got this.

- The formation team

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'tis the season for giving

This holiday season, help give a healthcare worker the gift of formation scrubs! 🎁

We believe in the power of collective action, which is why we created the Pay It Forward program.

The program allows individuals, businesses, or organizations to give the gift of the scrubs, without needing to purchase a pair. Through community donations, this program facilitates the purchase of a pair of scrubs for a health care worker through anonymous donations.

Just like finding out at the drive-through window that the kind soul ahead of you has bought your meal, a health care worker will be surprised at the checkout on our website with a message that lets them know someone has already paid for their set of scrubs.

Our hope is that this kind gesture by community members and customers will bring a smile and moment of joy to our health care workers who have been working tirelessly on the frontlines.

Recognizing your commitment to supporting formation’s community of health care workers, and all that they do to keep us safe and healthy, is important to us. Without the generous contribution from sponsors like you, our Pay It Forward program would not be possible.

Have a healthy and happy holiday!

We got this,

- the formation team

5 tips for handling holiday stress

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but can also be one of the most stressful times for healthcare workers.

Healthcare does not rest during the holiday season, and as you know, work often gets busier. On top of an overloaded work schedule and increased personal commitments, we’re entering into the time of year that has shorter, darker, colder days. Now more than ever, it’s essential to take care of your mental and physical health.

These five tips can help you to manage stress during the next few weeks, and make the most of the holiday season:

1) Plan What You Can

While planning ahead is always a good idea, it’s important to remember that there are some things that are out of your control. Planning ahead can help you visualize your work shifts, holiday activities, and obligations you’ve committed. It’s okay to say no when you feel overwhelmed or overburdened, keep a calendar to help you decide which ones you will truly enjoy.

2) Be Realistic

As we enter into the season of giving, remember that you give every day in your job - your time, your care, and your patience. While giving in and outside of work can help you feel happiness, it can also lead to burnout. It's important to know your limits. Keeping a realistic approach to the season and what you can take on both personally and professionally can help you manage expectations for the winter months.

3) Make a List (& Check it Twice)

With so much going on, the last thing you want to do is lose track of time and feel overwhelmed with everything you need to accomplish. Instead of trying to remember everything you need to do, make a list (or two) and check off each task as you complete it. Making a list of professional and personal to-dos, ideas for holiday shopping, or writing down goals for the month will help you keep on top of everything.

4) Savour the Season

With so much going on, remember to take a step back away from it all and enjoy the charm of the season. Throw on a Christmas playlist, make a cup of hot chocolate, and take a walk around your neighbourhood to look at the lights.

5) Remember to Rest

The holiday season brings more stress, more work and more travel, which typically means less rest. On top of taking on extra personal obligations, it’s also the peak of cold and flu season, so its extra important to rest and take extra measures to stay healthy. Keeping active, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest will be essential for keeping your mental health and immune system strong.

Remember you are never alone, ask for help and support when you need it, and recognize the signs of burnout. Our library has multiple resources to support your mental and emotional wellness.

Give yourself the gift of mental and physical health this holiday season. We’re in this together!

We got this,

- the formation team