The College of Medicine and Public Health has produced a resource with beneficial strategies that will help staff and students adapt to working differently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Framed on three stages – preparation, consolidation and aspiration – the strategies are designed to help people adapt to change and manage uncertainty.

The resource was prepared by Paula Redpath, Discipline Lead – Behavioural Health.

Stage 1 (preparation) includes drawing on sense of purpose and determining what can be influenced, and organising to work smartly with practical advice on connecting and planning to establish new routines and maintain personal connections. This incorporates work, family and health considerations.

Stage 2 (consolidation) focuses on tolerance and compassion both towards ourselves and others. This includes stress and change management, with an awareness of the potentially long-term nature of some aspects of changes being experienced.

Stage 3 (aspiration) encourages perseverance, reappraising unhelpful thoughts or actions, modifying and adapting.

The easy to digest one-pager can be accessed via the staff portal.

There is also a helpful page prepared by Professor Eimear Muir-Cochrane, Chair of Nursing (Mental Health) which outlines tips for working from home during the COVIUD-19 pandemic. The list, along with metal health advice and simple breathing exercises, can be accessed here.