Bibliotherapy-based Wellness Program for Healthcare Providers: Using Books and Reading to Create a Healthy Workplace

Authors

  • Natalia Tukhareli Scarborough and Rouge Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5596/c17-010

Keywords:

library program, bibliotherapy, workplace wellness

Abstract

Within the context of benefits of a healthy workplace, bibliotherapy is seen as an effective way of promoting health and wellness to hospital employees. The paper will present a detailed description of an innovative informational and recreational bibliotherapy-based reading program for healthcare providers developed and implemented by a Health Sciences library, in collaboration with the Occupational Health department. The methodology involved an extensive review of the bibliotherapy research and best practices in the UK and North America. The mechanics, benefits, and challenges of the program will be discussed. The program evaluation included an internal survey to the hospital employees. The evaluation results show that the bibliotherapy program has provided a new venue to address work-related stress and promote health, well-being, and resilience within the organization. Moreover, it helped to expand opportunities for collaborative projects and partnerships for the library as well as increase visibility of the library within the organization. 

Author Biography

Natalia Tukhareli, Scarborough and Rouge Hospital

Librarian, Health Sciences Library

MLIS, PhD

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Published

2017-08-01

How to Cite

Tukhareli, N. (2017). Bibliotherapy-based Wellness Program for Healthcare Providers: Using Books and Reading to Create a Healthy Workplace. Journal of the Canadian Health Libraries Association Journal De l’Association Des bibliothèques De La Santé Du Canada, 38(2), 44–50. https://doi.org/10.5596/c17-010

Issue

Section

Program Descriptions