Abstract
This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Introduction: Stress and burnout amongst the medical profession is increasingly being recognised and acknowledged internationally. The problem is apparent; the solution is less clear. Tailored support services for doctors exist. Anecdotally, doctors comment that they are unaware of any confidential services available. In addition, stigma attached to admitting a problem remains and prevents doctors engaging in these services (Singh, 2003). It is evident that further support is required. However, the existing structures in place ought to be reviewed to assess whether they are reaching the target population and are being utilised appropriately. Method: An anonymous online questionnaire was sent to all doctors-in-training within the Imperial College NHS Healthcare Lead Provider and Northwest Thames Foundation School. Results: One hundred and fifty doctors-in-training responded to the questionnaire. Each stage of postgraduate training within the UK was represented in the results. 50% of the doctors-in-training were unaware of any support services for doctors locally or nationally. 70% of responders were unaware of any support for doctors with personal or professional difficulties within London. Participants reported a fear of potential stigma being attached to them if they disclosed any difficulties to senior doctors within their training programmes or to any of the potential services available. Discussion: The findings highlight that current support services are not well known and that doctors-in-training have struggled when they have tried to find information available. Signposting and increasing awareness, as well as information on the services, needs to be improved to increase accessibility for doctors-in-training. Conclusion: The stigma surrounding doctors asking for help is not unique to the UK. This study demonstrates that stigma remains prevalent within the medical setting and is a barrier to accessing the support services. Further education on the topic could tackle the stigma, increase conversations on health and wellbeing and increase knowledge and understanding of the services.
Highlights
Stress and burnout amongst the medical profession is increasingly being recognised and acknowledged internationally
Each stage of postgraduate training within the UK was represented in the results. 50% of the doctors-in-training were unaware of any support services for doctors locally or nationally. 70% of responders were unaware of any support for doctors with personal or professional difficulties within London
The findings highlight that current support services are not well known and that doctors-in-training have struggled when they have tried to find information available
Summary
Stress and burnout amongst the medical profession is increasingly being recognised and acknowledged internationally. The many studies, conducted at various institutions globally, using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, demonstrates high levels of stress and burnout within the profession (Romani & Ashkar, 2014). Doctors have higher mental health problems compared to an age-matched population (Gerada, 2017). In South Africa, high levels of burnout and emotional exhaustion within the medical profession are reported (Peltzer, Mashego & Mabeba, 2003). In Canada, at least a third of the residents report stress related problems (Cohen et al, 2008); whilst in America it is as high as 50-76% in medical and surgical residents (Shanafelt, 2009). Medical professionals are reluctant to seek support when it is required and by the time they do, they are frequently in a dire situation (Cole-King, et al, 2013)
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