SUPPORT DOCTORS’ HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Summary

A healthy medical profession is central to the provision of high quality patient care.

Improved doctor wellbeing reduces the risk and frequency of medical errors, and also contributes to workforce sustainability.

There has been an increased focus on doctors’ health and wellbeing in recent years, as research has revealed there is a higher prevalence of suicide among doctors than the general population. Female doctors suicide at 2.27 times the rate of the general population, while male doctors suicide at 1.41 times the general population.24 University of Melbourne data shows one in five medical students reported suicidal ideation in the preceding year, and half of junior doctors experience “moderate to high levels of distress”.

The pandemic has exacerbated many of the stressors associated with working in medicine and consequently, doctors are reporting higher levels of fatigue and burnout associated with longer working hours, staff constraints and busier, more stressful work environments.

It has also been identified that medical students, doctors-in-training (particularly trainees in unaccredited positions), and rural and regional doctors face heightened risks for poor wellbeing and need targeted solutions.

The State Government has a responsibility to make doctors’ and medical students’ health a priority and implement workplace planning strategies that support the health of medical professionals.

Hospitals and health services can also support doctors’ health by prioritising staff wellbeing and developing and implementing guidelines for mentally healthy workplaces.