Abstract
AimsThe objectives of this study were to investigate burnout in a sample of Irish Hospital Consultants and its association with psychopathology (symptoms of depression and anxiety). We examined the effect of personality factors on the development of psychopathology in response to burnout and in relation to work-related stress among the participants.MethodThis is a cross-sectional survey, utilising validated psychometric measures. Self-reported online questionnaires were distributed to all hospital consultants registered with the Irish Hospital Consultants Association distribution list and were completed between September to December 2016. Questionnaires sought to determine demographic information; work-related characteristics; burnout related phenomena: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness (Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI-GS]); symptoms of depression and anxiety (Depressive Anxiety Stress Scale [DASS]; and personality characteristics (Big Five Inventory [BFI-10]).ResultA total of 477 hospital consultants (Male = 56.6%) from hospitals in Ireland took part in the study. Of those studied, 42% reported high levels of burnout. The Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale revealed that Consultants were experiencing high levels of stress symptoms but comparatively low levels of anxiety symptoms. The study population scored highest on the conscientiousness and agreeableness subscales and lowest on the neuroticism subscale. Those who scored higher in the neuroticism subtype appeared to be at an increased risk of burnout.ConclusionThe prevalence of work-related burnout in consultants is of concern. The psychological burden of burnout is reflected in reported symptoms of stress and depression. Personality, particularly conscientiousness and agreeableness appears to impact the development of physician burnout. Strategies that modulate the relationship between personality and burnout may be beneficial for optimal health care delivery. Further research is needed to identify appropriate short and long-term strategies to ensure physician wellbeing and optimal delivery of patient care.
Highlights
In 2019 the Acute Psychiatric Unit in Tallaght Hospital was identified by the Mental Health Commission of Ireland as non-compliant with regulation 23 of the Mental Health Act pertaining to the Ordering, Prescribing, Storing and Administration of Medication
Education sessions delivered by both medical staff and the ward pharmacist were provided to junior doctors and consultants regarding the Mental Health Commission regulations for prescribing
We developed information leaflets that were placed at the front of Kardex folders highlighting key areas where errors were regularly made
Summary
Prescribing errors can lead to patient harm and are a patient safety issue. In 2019 the Acute Psychiatric Unit in Tallaght Hospital was identified by the Mental Health Commission of Ireland as non-compliant with regulation 23 of the Mental Health Act pertaining to the Ordering, Prescribing, Storing and Administration of Medication. Compliance with regulation 23 is a mandatory condition for the registration of the Unit as an Approved Centre to provide treatment for mental illness in Ireland. Regular auditing was performed to identify areas of non-compliance in prescribing practices and where identified to improve upon these practices per Mental Health Commission standards.
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