Page 97 - IDF Journal 2023

Burnout prevention and management
Burnout builds up over time and is typically, overlooked, minimised or denied until the consequences are significant. When taking a preventative approach
to reducing workplace burnout, it is important to develop self-awareness to recognise early warning signs. In doing so, doctors are able to take control and prioritise their wellbeing to help them care for their patients. Warning signs include lack of concentration, poor productivity, irritability, poor timekeeping, over
sharing with patients, difficulty managing responsibilities and emotional exhaustion. These signs may also present outside
the workplace and may include the use
of medication to sleep, lack of interest in social activities, interpersonal tensions, and the use of alcohol and drugs to cope.
Interestingly, a survey by Medscape explored how different generations of doctors have been affected during the pandemic and lockdown. Generation
X (aged between 40-55) at 48% were the most burned out followed by baby boomers (aged 56-74) at 39% and millennials (aged 24-39) at 38%. Actions considered to reduce burnout included early retirement by older doctors. Many younger doctors stated that they would look for a different job within the medical field or consider leaving their medical career.
Resilience is often described as the panacea for burnout. Doctors arguably already have a high resilience and yet struggle with high levels of burnout. COVID-19 has been a traumatic stressor and the prolonged traumatic exposure suffered by doctors has resulted in clearly defined difficulties. However, post traumatic growth provides opportunities
for new possibilities of personal strength and appreciation of life (Tedeschi, 1996).
Actions that can, and should, be implemented in the workplace to
reduce burnout for doctors include the incorporation of reasonable patient caseloads, manageable work schedules/ on call hours, supportive staff, increased autonomy, increased pay to avoid financial stress and greater respect from colleagues, administrators and patients. These changes have also been found
to be beneficial in increasing workplace morale. It is important to address the barriers that prevent doctors from seeking help by creating a healthy workplace atmosphere that allows doctors to feel safe to express their concerns. Such barriers can take the form of shame or guilt and practicalities such as cost and accessibility of available help.
In summary, healthy living cannot be overemphasised. It is about setting
time aside to relax, scheduling leave periods and prioritising sleep, nutrition, hydration and exercise. It is important
to communicate with family, friends and colleagues, and set boundaries to adjust your work-life balance. Supervision and mentoring can be helpful in keeping you focused on addressing your wellbeing. Never ignore early signs of stress and always seek help for health concerns.
Doctors can access support from:
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Psychiatrists’ Support Service
• NHS Practitioner Health Programme
• Priory (outpatient, day care or inpatient support)
• British Medical Association
REFERENCES
• https://www.rcpsych. ac.uk/workinpsychiatry/ psychiatristssuportservice/resources.aspx
• Doctors and mental health BMJ 2011;342:d1708
• Association Between Physician Burnout and Patient Safety, Professionalism, and Patient Satisfaction JAMA Intern Med. 2018;178(10):1317-1330. doi:10.1001/ jamainternmed.2018.3713
• Burnout and psychiatric morbidity among doctors in the UK: a systematic literature review of prevalence and associated factors BJPsych; https://doi.org/10.1192/ pb.bp.116.054247
• https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/ clinical-management-of-covid-19
• https://www.mesdcape.com/ slideshow/2020-lifestyle- burnout-6012560#1
• https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj. h4709
• Figure 1: https://www.researchgate.net/ figure/Simplified-5-stage-model-for-the- development-of-burnout-which-is-most- frequently-used_fig3_346432309 Burnout in Healthcare Workers: Prevalence, Impact and Preventative Strategies
Dr Sara Beleil
MB BS FRCPsych FFPH
Consultant Psychiatrist
Priory Hospital Roehampton Priory Lane, London SW15 5JJ
Secretary Lisa Herrmann
T: 020 83924228 Ext 3528:
E: LisaHerrmann@priorygroup.com W: www.priorygroup.com
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