Stress and burnout among doctors

Abstract

Occupational stress is increasingly faced by doctors. Upto some extent, stress improves performance but when excessive, it becomes harmful. Doctors have more stress related mental health problems than general population. Burnout is inability to cope with emotional stress at work. It consists of 3 domains; emotional exhaustion, depersonalization & lack of personal accomplishment. Various models like demand–control imbalance, effort–reward imbalance & support model explain evolution of work related stress. Common causes of stress are related to patient care, decision making, taking responsibility, increasing use of technology, continuing rises in health care costs, turbulence within work environment, long working hours & over-working. Stress causes physical symptoms, mental derangements, emotional & behavioural disturbances. Research suggests that high stress levels may impair immune system with increased risk of cardiovascular disease & cancer. Stress can be modified by appropriate stress management skills like avoiding cynicism, reading, joining a support group, attending a wellness conference, strengthening communication skills, addressing to spiritual needs, meditation & decreasing caffeine. Burnout prevention should be done both on both personal & organizational levels. Appropriate interventions like improving inter-professional relationships, changes in work environment, modifying off duty time & streamlining decision making should be done to mitigate the effect of stress on doctors.