Psychologists at the Defense Health Agency's Connected Health branch have developed a new mobile app to give frontline health care providers the tools to keep themselves emotionally healthy and productive as they serve our military communities.
Called the Provider Resilience app, it was launched this summer by the DHA's Web & Mobile Technology (WMT) Program Management Office. Connected Health is the branch of the DHA responsible for evaluating and integrating health technology, such as mobile apps, virtual or augmented reality programs, and wearable devices.
"These last 18 months grappling with the pandemic have been really hard for our front-line caregivers," said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ralph Montgomery, WMT's deputy program manager. "We're so proud to be able to build a resource to help over-burdened providers maintain their mental health."
Many frontline providers face intense demands, sometimes leading to burnout, compassion fatigue and secondary traumatic stress. The Provider Resilience app uses psychoeducation and self-assessments to give a snapshot of the user's overall resilience rating, along with a countdown clock showing how long until the user's next vacation.
User-specific ratings for compassion fatigue, burnout and secondary traumatic stress are automatically generated, allowing users to monitor their wellness over time. The app also features "stress-busting" and "satisfaction-building" tools while the Military Meditation Coach podcast helps users learn meditation and other contemplation techniques. Physical exercise cards and inspirational quotes help users take a break from daily stress.