Abstract
BackgroundDespite the high prevalence of burnout among doctors, studies have shown that some doctors who choose to remain in primary healthcare (PHC) survive, even thrive, despite stressful working conditions. The ability to be resilient may assist family physicians (FPs) to adapt successfully to the relatively new challenges they are faced with. This research seeks to explore resilience through reflection on the lived experiences of FPs who have been working in PHC.AimTo explore the resilience of FPs working in PHC in the Cape Metropole.SettingThe study was conducted among FPs in PHC in the Cape Town metropole, Western Cape province, South Africa.MethodsA phenomenological qualitative study involved interviewing 13 purposefully selected FPs working in the public sector PHC in the Cape Metropole. Data were analysed using the framework method.ResultsThe mean resilience scale was moderate. Six key aspects of resilience were identified: having a sense of purpose, ‘silver lining’ thinking, having several roles with autonomy, skilful leadership, having a support network and self-care.ConclusionThe aspects that contribute to FP resilience are multi-faceted. It entails having a sense of purpose, ‘silver lining’ thinking, having several roles with autonomy, skilful leadership, having a support network and valuing self-care. Our exploration of resilience in FPs in the Cape Metropole corroborates the findings of previous studies. To ensure physician wellness and improved patient outcomes, we recommend that individual and organisational strategies should be implemented in the absence of long-term policy changes.
Highlights
Burnout and stress amongst doctors have received considerable attention globally.[1,2,3,4] Burnout has been defined as a syndrome consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment.[5]
The objectives of this study were: 1. to assess the level of resilience in family physicians (FPs) working in primary healthcare (PHC) 2. to explore the perspectives and understanding of FPs regarding resilience. 3. to explore attributes that contribute to personal resilience and the coping strategies used to manage stressors 4. to explore the work satisfaction of and reasons for FPs to stay in PHC
Thirty-three potential FPs were invited to participate via email
Summary
Burnout and stress amongst doctors have received considerable attention globally.[1,2,3,4] Burnout has been defined as a syndrome consisting of emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and low personal accomplishment.[5] Burnout negatively impacts both the individual doctor and the healthcare system, resulting in poor-quality patient care, low work satisfaction and even migration of doctors to different work environments.[1,2,6,7] In the USA, a widely conducted survey found that about one-third to half of the doctors experienced at least one aspect of burnout.[4].
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