In February 2025, the European Commission hosted an important policy event titled R&I to Promote Mental Health and Prevent/Treat Mental Disorders, gathering leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the future of mental health research and innovation. One of the standout contributions came from Irène Georgescu, a key figure in the Apollo 2028 project and a leading expert on resilience in healthcare.
As the coordinator of Apollo 2028, Irène's participation at this high-profile event underscored the critical role that the project plays in addressing the mental health and well-being of healthcare workers. Together with colleagues from related European projects, such as Support4Resilience and WELL CARE, Irène shared valuable insights on how resilience can be fostered both at the individual and organizational levels. Through these discussions, Apollo 2028 seeks to bring about systemic improvements in the mental health of healthcare professionals, ensuring a more adaptive and resilient healthcare system across Europe.
The Importance of Resilience for Healthcare Workers
The mental health of healthcare professionals has long been an under-addressed issue. However, the COVID-19 pandemic, along with ongoing challenges in healthcare delivery, has placed unprecedented strain on healthcare workers. Reports of burnout, anxiety, and depression among medical staff have surged, prompting urgent calls for systemic interventions to safeguard their well-being. Irène Georgescu, alongside her fellow project leaders, highlighted the importance of resilience in mitigating these issues.
Resilience, the capacity to recover from difficulties or adapt to challenging situations, has become a cornerstone of efforts to improve healthcare worker well-being. As part of Apollo 2028, Irène has been leading efforts to design and implement strategies that not only help healthcare professionals cope with stress but also thrive in their roles despite ongoing challenges. These strategies emphasize mental health, well-being, and the resilience of healthcare workers in changing environments—factors that were at the heart of the discussions at the European Commission’s policy event.
Collaborative Efforts Across Projects
The Apollo 2028 project, which focuses on improving the mental health, well-being, and resilience of healthcare workers, was presented alongside two other significant projects: Support4Resilience and WELL CARE. These projects, while distinct in their focus, share common goals and themes, making collaboration at the event all the more impactful.
- Support4Resilience: Led by Siri Wiig, this project focuses on strengthening the resilience and mental well-being of workers, leaders, and informal caregivers in healthcare. It addresses both organizational and individual resilience, aiming to foster a culture of support and understanding in healthcare environments.
- WELL CARE: Coordinated by Claire Champeix, WELL CARE emphasizes the mental well-being of long-term care workers and informal caregivers. This initiative investigates the identification, evaluation, and promotion of best practices for supporting these often-overlooked members of the healthcare workforce.
During the event, these three projects presented a united front, advocating for the mental well-being of healthcare professionals. The discussions explored how both organizational changes and individual interventions could enhance resilience, improve the work environment, and ultimately lead to better care outcomes for patients. Irène, as the coordinator of Apollo 2028, contributed by sharing the project's key findings and progress to date, offering concrete examples of how resilience can be built in healthcare systems across Europe.
Key Discussions at the Event
The event featured several parallel sessions, each focusing on different aspects of mental health in the healthcare sector. Irène’s session, moderated by Marie Pardon, explored the resilience and mental well-being of healthcare workers, leaders, and informal caregivers.
Among the key points discussed were:
- The Role of Resilience in Healthcare Systems: Irène, along with other project leaders, emphasized how resilience can significantly enhance the ability of healthcare systems to adapt to and recover from crises. In the context of Apollo 2028, this involves creating tools and frameworks that empower healthcare workers to manage their mental health effectively, even in high-stress environments.
- Support for Leaders and Informal Caregivers: The event also highlighted the critical role of leaders in fostering a resilient work environment. Irène pointed out that while healthcare workers are often at the forefront of patient care, leaders and informal caregivers also face significant challenges. Therefore, it is essential to create systems of support for all levels of healthcare personnel, ensuring that resilience is embedded at every layer of the healthcare system.
- Preventing Burnout through Resilience Strategies: One of the most pressing issues in healthcare is burnout, which affects a significant portion of the workforce. Irène discussed how Apollo 2028 is addressing this challenge by providing healthcare workers with tools to increase personal resilience, such as stress-management techniques, resilience-building workshops, and peer-support programs.
- Fostering Organizational Resilience: Beyond individual resilience, the event explored how healthcare organizations can cultivate a culture of resilience. Irène shared insights from Apollo 2028 on how healthcare organizations can adopt policies that promote mental well-being, including providing adequate support for workers, fostering open communication, and addressing systemic factors that contribute to stress, such as excessive workloads and lack of resources.
The Role of Research and Innovation
At the heart of the discussions was the role of research and innovation in promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders. As a researcher and project coordinator, Irène highlighted the significance of evidence-based practices in improving mental health outcomes for healthcare workers.
Apollo 2028 is at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to mental health in the healthcare sector, using cutting-edge research to inform its strategies. The project focuses on integrating mental health and resilience into the healthcare system by utilizing data and insights gathered through its research. This includes developing digital tools for self-assessment, implementing evidence-based interventions, and conducting training programs to help healthcare workers build resilience.
Through the use of research and innovation, Apollo 2028 aims to not only address the immediate mental health needs of healthcare workers but also to create long-term, sustainable improvements in mental health care. The project integrates research findings into practical, real-world solutions, ensuring that mental health interventions are both effective and accessible.
The European Commission’s Support
The event was organized by the European Commission, reflecting its growing recognition of the importance of mental health in the healthcare sector. The European Commission has been instrumental in supporting initiatives like Apollo 2028, recognizing that the mental well-being of healthcare workers is vital for maintaining high-quality healthcare systems across Europe.
Irène expressed her gratitude to the European Commission for organizing such a pivotal event and for providing the platform to showcase the progress made by projects like Apollo 2028. She emphasized that the event helped strengthen collaborations between researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders, further advancing the cause of mental health in the healthcare sector.
The Commission’s continued support for mental health research and innovation is crucial, particularly as Europe faces increasing challenges in healthcare delivery. Initiatives like Apollo 2028 provide a model for how research can lead to practical solutions that improve both the lives of healthcare workers and the quality of care provided to patients.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Resilience in Healthcare
The policy event was not only an opportunity to reflect on the progress made but also to look ahead to future challenges and opportunities. Irène, along with her colleagues from Support4Resilience and WELL CARE, discussed the next steps in promoting mental health and resilience in the healthcare sector.
Moving forward, Apollo 2028 will continue to focus on expanding its research and impact, particularly in the areas of digital tools for mental health, training programs for healthcare workers, and creating resilience frameworks that can be implemented across different healthcare systems. Irène stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and continuing to work collaboratively with other projects and organizations to ensure that resilience becomes a core component of healthcare delivery.
The event also underscored the need for greater awareness and advocacy surrounding healthcare worker well-being. As more attention is given to mental health in healthcare systems, it is crucial that the voices of healthcare workers are heard, and their mental well-being is prioritized as part of broader healthcare reforms.
Conclusion: A Stronger, More Resilient Healthcare System
Irène Georgescu’s participation in the R&I Policy Event on Mental Health was a significant moment for Apollo 2028 and the broader movement to improve the mental health and resilience of healthcare workers. Through her contribution, she helped reinforce the idea that the well-being of healthcare professionals is a critical component of creating adaptive, sustainable healthcare systems in Europe.
As Apollo 2028 continues to lead the charge in fostering resilience among healthcare workers, its work will contribute not only to the mental health of healthcare professionals but also to the broader health of society. By supporting the mental well-being of those who care for others, we ensure that healthcare systems remain strong, responsive, and capable of facing the challenges of the future.
