For the past two years dealing with frontline mental health, one of the biggest challenges has been engagement with frontline healthcare workers, such as the take-up rate for services and different approaches among different health service providers. We also learned that most of them want to go back and get good rest when they are tired with long working hours and hectic schedules.

When we encountered this, we brainstormed to find creative engagement methods. With its extensive network worldwide, IDiMH had discussions with experts from the UK, India & China on what worked for them. We studied and explored a military model of what is called psychological decompression. This model was first used during the Vietnam conflict. It refers to a process for personnel returning from deployment to adapt to the home environment to reduce maladaptive psychological adjustment.

In simpler terms, we define it as “Time Away From The Battle, Relaxation Before Returning To Home.” We adopted and adapted the model to our setting.  We then did our first 3R Lounge (Rest Relax & Recharge), or Anjung Damai, in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia in collaboration with MedTweetMy, IMPaCT and MHPSS Selayang Hospital.

The lounge received a good response from HCW. Many felt it was very helpful in relaxation and their mental well-being. We use it as a platform to share our care pathway algorithm, coping skills, self-care, QR code, and our mental health alert card if they need further assistance. We also provide chocolates, tea, coffee, and grab and go snacks. Since then, a sharp increase in engagement noted with the local Mental Health & Psychosocial support team.

If you find this model attractive, want to share your ideas, and explore more, feel free to contact us. If we are not doing the best for healthcare workers, we always believe that we are not doing the best for patients.