There have been many signs of appreciation of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. María Arantzamendi, PhD in Nursing and researcher at the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) at the University of Navarra, highlights the fact that gratitude "is a recognition that what we are doing is of real value and service to others, and makes a difference". She notes that as health workers “treat patients, intense emotions arise because very meaningful situations and relationships are experienced and shared, and gratitude can be transformative."

That such expressions of appreciation generate positive feelings in healthcare professionals and give them energy and motivation to keep on working is not only intuitively true. Research backs this observation up. In fact, one of the research areas explored by the ATLANTES Program at the ICS is analysis of the effect of expressions of gratitude (letters, for instance) from palliative-care patients and their families.

Prof. Arantzamendi has shared some data from her research: in a survey of Spanish professionals, 94% said that such gratitude increased their sense of satisfaction, 91% felt more motivated, 75% felt proud of their work, and for 90% of those surveyed, gratitude was a source of strength during difficult moments in their professional lives.

The dedication of healthcare workers, a common good

Gratitude is present in the daily lives of healthcare workers, in their interactions with patients and their families. However, it takes on greater meaning in times of crisis, such as the coronavirus pandemic. "This support helps healthcare professionals to keep going, and to do their jobs as best they can, even in very difficult circumstances," she says.

Initiatives like the public applause at 20:00, donations of money and materials, the contributions of students: “These are very valid and important signs. Even when they are anonymous, they are visible”. Prof. Arantzamendi also emphasized the fact that the work of healthcare workers is even more valuable at this time because “we are more vulnerable”.

As both a nurse and researcher, these public gestures have a real impact, similar to the personal expressions of thanks from patients and their families – a shared, social recognition that healthcare work is valued.

At the same time, healthcare professionals likewise experience a sense of gratitude, which leads to a greater commitment to contribute even more to others. “Healthcare workers are happy to see that their dedication is perceived as a common good that is valued in social terms."