Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.310

PsihoSavjet – A Hospital-Based Counseling Service Supporting the Mental Health of Employees at the University Hospital of Split

Neda Pleic ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia *
Romilda Roje ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Vesna Kekez ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Iris Stipetić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Tanja Čotić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Ana Zlatar ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Dora Kirigin Petković ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Mirjana Sučević Ercegovac ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Dora Delić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Karmen Gojsalić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Work in the healthcare system is characterized
by high professional demands, great responsibility,
exposure to suffering and death, and organizational
challenges. Healthcare workers are at
increased risk for occupational stress, burnout,
moral distress, secondary traumatization, and
anxiety and depressive symptoms. These difficulties
can adversely affect employees’ psychological
well‑being, the quality of healthcare, and patient
safety. Contemporary approaches to mental
health protection emphasize the importance of
developing organizational resilience and a psychologically
safe work environment. To provide
timely psychological support to employees, the
“Psihosavjet” counseling service was established at the Split University Hospital Center (KBC Split)
as a model of early intervention, prevention of
mental health difficulties, and triage toward appropriate
forms of professional help. The counseling
service is available to all KBC Split employees,
regardless of profession or workplace. An application
has been installed on all hospital computers
through which employees can anonymously register
for a conversation with a psychologist. The
counseling service operates once a week. Psychologists
employed at the departments and clinics
of psychiatry, pediatrics, gynecology, neurology,
and oncology of KBC Split participate in the work
of the counseling service. “Psihosavjet” is an easily
accessible, anonymous, and non‑stigmatizing
intervention that enables early recognition of
difficulties, strengthening of stress‑coping strategies,
and referral to further forms of treatment
when needed. Expected effects include reduction
of occupational stress and burnout, improvement
of employees’ psychological well‑being and work
functioning, and, indirectly, increased quality and
safety of healthcare. Due to its accessibility and
simple organization, “Psihosavjet” is an example
of good practice that can be implemented in other
healthcare institutions.

Keywords

staff mental health; burnout; occupational stress; secondary traumatization; organizational resilience

Hrčak ID:

353009

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/353009

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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