The importance of psychological support in the health and wellbeing of patients and clients is well documented and acknowledged by healthcare professionals. However, it is suggested that healthcare systems and the professionals employed as carers do not optimize the benefits associated with psychological support as a stress reduction strategy. This article explores the concept and impact of psychological support as a mediator and moderator of the stress response and suggests ways in which social support systems for healthcare professionals might be improved.

Empirical evidence continues to highlight the negative impact and high costs associated with mismanaged stress in the workplace. It remains a significant problem associated with poor performance, high levels of sickness absence and increasing violence in the healthcare work environment. Jobs in human services share many of the sources of stress present in other occupations in addition to the potential strains associated with intense involvement in the lives of others. This requires a caring commitment and the ability to respond with empathy usually in high demand situations where staff shortages are a common feature of the healthcare environment. A negative spiral of stress can develop when staff shortages, caused by recruitment and retention problems, create high levels of job demand and work stress, leading to yet more strain, sickness absence, or withdrawal from the job because the employee cannot face further pressure.