Wellbeing Report

The Royal College of Physicians in Ireland recently published a new report entitled ‘National Study of Wellbeing of Hospital Doctors In Ireland’. This survey completed by 1,749 hospital doctors explored the topics of lifestyle behaviours, personal wellbeing and workplace wellbeing, and revealed some interesting results. According to the report, while there is still a strong motivation to practise medicine, of over 70%; there are causes for concern within a doctors’ working experience which needs to be addressed. Results show how one in three doctors experienced burnout and up to 10% suffer from severe levels of depression anxiety and stress. The research also highlights how frontline staff is directly affected by the strains on the healthcare system, which in turn can have an effect on patient quality of care. To find out more information about the report please view the RCPI website here. RCPI also has a Wellbeing page on their website which you can access here.

The Medical Council has, over the past number of years, conducted the annual Your Training Counts survey, allowing postgraduate medical trainees an opportunity to give open, honest and anonymous feedback about their experiences. These surveys provide an opportunity for trainees’ voices to be at the forefront of their medical education and training. In 2014 we conducted the Your Training Counts: Spotlight on Health and Wellbeing which reviewed trainees’ general health, their quality of life, their mental health and wellbeing, their work engagement and the utilisation of support services. Results recorded how one in five trainees rated their quality of life as poor or very poor, and three in ten of those who experienced bullying also reported poorer health and wellbeing. As confirmed by the results in this latest study by RCPI, there are still ongoing issues and challenges faced by doctors within their employment as practitioners in Ireland.

We, at the Medical Council, wish to provide leadership and work closely with national stakeholders to help drive real improvement in the education and training system. Over the past three years, we have met with key stakeholders to present the views of trainees and discuss how their experience of postgraduate training can be enhanced. This latest publication from RCPI is an example of how important a doctor’s own health is to their training faculty.

We offer doctors support through our Health Committee comprised of both medical personnel (primarily GP’s and psychiatrists) and non – medical members who are involved in the healthcare / medical sector. Our Health Committee plays an important role in supporting doctors to continue in practise during illness or difficult times, once there is no risk to patient safety. We have also reviewed our Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics to ensure that it reflects issues raised through Your Training Counts, while the importance of self – care is included as part of our Eight Domains of Good Practice.

Looking at the results of the RCPI survey in conjunction with the outcomes of Your Training Counts can further help identify areas which need to be addressed. By identifying and challenging these issues, improvements can be made which would help to create a more engaged, energised and resilient medical workforce. With a more engaged and motivated workforce, the fundamental aim of ensuring safe and good quality care to members of the public can be adhered to. We recognise that both the health and wellbeing of medical practitioners is essential in maintaining high standards and crucial for the safety of patients in medicine.