In recent years, the issue of mental health among healthcare professionals has become increasingly central to the debate on the sustainability of healthcare systems. The daily challenges they face — from long shifts to emergency management, from emotional strain to clinical responsibility — make healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to stress, burnout, anxiety, and mood disorders.
The mental health of healthcare professionals is not only an individual right, but also a key factor in the quality and safety of care. International studies confirm that the psychological well-being of staff is positively correlated with listening skills, empathy, error management, and patient satisfaction. Promoting mental health, therefore, means investing in the resilience of healthcare teams, reducing absenteeism, improving staff retention, and fostering fairer, more sustainable work environments.
In this context, the Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma promote an integrated vision of mental health within the healthcare sector — not only as an educational topic, but as a cross-disciplinary skill and a core part of organizational culture. Through theoretical modules, experiential workshops, supervision, and group work, these programs aim to train self-aware professionals who can care for others without neglecting themselves, in the pursuit of both personal and professional sustainability.
Addressing the mental health of healthcare personnel is no longer optional — it is a strategic priority. For this reason, it is essential to continue investing in ongoing education, organizational support, and a culture that values the human dimension of healthcare professionals, even before their professional role.
The Healthcare Master’s Programs at the University of Parma champion this vision, contributing to the development of a new generation of healthcare workers who are stronger, more self-aware, and more attentive to their own well-being and that of their colleagues.