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O'Dowd E, Lydon S, O'Connor P, Boland J, Offiah G, Byrne D. The development of a framework of entrustable professional activities for the intern year in Ireland. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:273. [PMID: 32811490 PMCID: PMC7433170 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02156-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) are units of professional practice that capture essential competencies in which trainees must become proficient before undertaking them independently. EPAs provide supervisors with a solid justification for delegating an activity to trainees. This study aimed to develop and ensure face validity of a set of EPAs for junior doctors in the first year of clinical practice in the Republic of Ireland. METHODS An iterative eight stage consensus building process was used to develop the set of EPAs. This process was based on international best practice recommendations for EPA development. A series of surveys and workshops with stakeholders was used to develop a framework of EPAs and associated competencies. An external stakeholder consultation survey was then conducted by the Irish Medical Council. The framework of EPAs was then benchmarked against the 13 core EPAs developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). RESULTS A framework of seven EPAs, and associated competencies resulted from this study. These EPAs address all core activities that junior doctors should be readily entrusted with at the end of the intern year, which is the first year of clinical practice in the Republic of Ireland. Each EPA contains a series of defined competencies. The final EPAs were found to be comparable to the AAMC core EPAs for entering residency. CONCLUSIONS A framework of EPAs for interns in Ireland that are appropriate for the intern year has been developed by key stakeholders. The implementation of the EPAs in practice is the next step, and is likely to result in an improved intern training process and increased patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily O'Dowd
- Discipline of General Practice, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Lydon
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Paul O'Connor
- Discipline of General Practice, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Gozie Offiah
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dara Byrne
- Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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2
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Zhou AY, Panagioti M, Esmail A, Agius R, Van Tongeren M, Bower P. Factors Associated With Burnout and Stress in Trainee Physicians: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2013761. [PMID: 32809031 PMCID: PMC7435345 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Evidence suggests that physicians experience high levels of burnout and stress and that trainee physicians are a particularly high-risk group. Multiple workplace- and non-workplace-related factors have been identified in trainee physicians, but it is unclear which factors are most important in association with burnout and stress. Better understanding of the most critical factors could help inform the development of targeted interventions to reduce burnout and stress. OBJECTIVE To estimate the association between different stressors and burnout/stress among physicians engaged in standard postgraduate training (ie, trainee physicians). DATA SOURCES Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Database of Systematic reviews from inception until April 30, 2019. Search terms included trainee, foundation year, registrar, resident, and intern. STUDY SELECTION Studies that reported associations between stressors and burnout/stress in trainee physicians. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the quality of the evidence. The main meta-analysis was followed by sensitivity analyses. All analyses were performed using random-effects models, and heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES The main outcome was the association between burnout/stress and workplace- or non-workplace-related factors reported as odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% CIs. RESULTS Forty-eight studies were included in the meta-analysis (n = 36 266, median age, 29 years [range, 24.6-35.7 years]). One study did not specify participants' sex; of the total population, 18 781 participants (52%) were men. In particular, work demands of a trainee physician were associated with a nearly 3-fold increased odds for burnout/stress (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.26-3.59), followed by concerns about patient care (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.58-3.50), poor work environment (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.57-2.70), and poor work-life balance (OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.53-2.44). Perceived/reported poor mental or physical health (OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.76-3.31), female sex (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.20-1.50), financial worries (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.07-1.72), and low self-efficacy (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.31-3.46) were associated with increased odds for burnout/stress, whereas younger age and a more junior grade were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this study suggest that the odds ratios for burnout and stress in trainee physicians are higher than those for work-related factors compared with nonmodifiable and non-work-related factors, such as age and grade. These findings support the need for organizational interventions to mitigate burnout in trainee physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anli Yue Zhou
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Panagioti
- National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Aneez Esmail
- National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Agius
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Martie Van Tongeren
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Bower
- National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Corfield L, Williams RA, Lavelle C, Latcham N, Talash K, Machin L. Prepared for practice? UK Foundation doctors' confidence in dealing with ethical issues in the workplace. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 47:medethics-2019-105961. [PMID: 32277020 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2019-105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigates the medical law and ethics (MEL) learning needs of Foundation doctors (FYs) by means of a national survey developed in association with key stakeholders including the General Medical Council and Health Education England. Four hundred sevnty-nine doctors completed the survey. The average self-reported level of preparation in MEL was 63%. When asked to rate how confident they felt in approaching three cases of increasing ethical complexity, more FYs were fully confident in the more complex cases than in the more standard case. There was no apparent relationship with confidence and reported teaching at medical school. The less confident doctors were no more likely to ask for further teaching on the topic than the confident doctors. This suggests that FYs can be vulnerable when facing ethical decisions by being underprepared, not recognising their lack of ability to make a reasoned decision or by being overconfident. Educators need to be aware of this and provide practical MEL training based on trainee experiences and real-world ethics and challenge learners' views. Given the complexities of many ethical decisions, preparedness should not be seen as the ability to make a difficult decision but rather a recognition that such cases are difficult, that doubt is permissible and the solution may well be beyond the relatively inexperienced doctor. Educators and supervisors should therefore be ensuring that this is clear to their trainees. This necessitates an environment in which questions can be asked and uncertainty raised with the expectation of a supportive response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claire Lavelle
- GP Trainee, Wirral GP Specialty Training Scheme, Birkenhead, UK
| | - Natalie Latcham
- Department of Medicine, Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, Kendal, Cumbria, UK
| | - Khojasta Talash
- Academic Foundation Doctor, Morecambe Bay Hospitals NHS Trust, Kendal, Cumbria, UK
| | - Laura Machin
- School of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, Lancashire, UK
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Machin LL, Latcham N, Lavelle C, Williams RA, Corfield L. Exploring the perceived medical ethics and law training needs of UK foundation doctors. MEDICAL TEACHER 2020; 42:92-100. [PMID: 31558083 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2019.1665636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Foundation doctors (FDs) encounter a wide range of ethical and legal issues during their first two years of work. Despite ethics being a key part of most modern undergraduate curricula, FDs can struggle with the issues they see. This study is based on results from an on-line survey answered by 479 UK FDs regarding their medical law and ethics learning needs, and their undergraduate training in this area. Over two-thirds stated they would wish to receive MEL training as an FD on self-discharge against medical advice (∼71%), sedating patients (∼70%), decision making in emergency medicine (∼67%), and withholding and withdrawing treatment (∼66%). Over half of all respondents want MEL training during their Foundation Programme on DNACPR orders (∼63%), dealing with patients with suicidal intent (∼59%), Mental Health Act (∼55%), Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (∼54%), and end of life care (∼53%). We therefore propose a minimum curriculum for ethics and law training for FDs based on these topics, as well as cases brought by the FDs themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- L L Machin
- Lancaster Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - N Latcham
- University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Foundation Trust, Lancaster, UK
| | - C Lavelle
- Wirral GP Specialty Training Scheme, Birkenhead, UK
| | - R A Williams
- Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - L Corfield
- Keele Medical School, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
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Hariharan TS, Griffin B. A review of the factors related to burnout at the early-career stage of medicine. MEDICAL TEACHER 2019; 41:1380-1391. [PMID: 31345077 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2019.1641189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Background: Globally, burnout is an increasingly prevalent problem amongst young medical professionals. This review aims to understand the factors related to burnout in the early-career stage of medicine. Drawing on the widely used Job Demands-Resources Model, the antecedents of burnout were distinguished from its outcomes.Methods: The review adopted the PRISMA guidelines. Using specific search terms, peer-reviewed articles were obtained from a range of databases and assessed against selection criteria. To meet inclusion requirements, the study had to be published between 2000 and 2018, include a validated measure of burnout, and undertake empirical assessment of factors related to burnout in medical students and/or junior medical officers/residents. Additional studies were obtained and reviewed from the reference lists of selected articles.Results: Out of the 3796 studies that were initially found, 585 were assessed against the eligibility criteria leaving 113 studies for review. These studies highlighted the negative consequences of burnout in the early medical career. Also identified were work-specific and person-specific demands that likely lead to burnout and, work and person resources that appear to reduce burnout.Conclusion: This review provides a framework to explain the growing problem of burnout amongst early-career medical professionals. However, further research is necessary to overcome the current reliance on cross-sectional designs and small sample sizes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barbara Griffin
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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6
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O'Connor P, Lydon S, Mongan O, Connolly F, Mcloughlin A, McVicker L, Byrne D. A mixed-methods examination of the nature and frequency of medical error among junior doctors. Postgrad Med J 2019; 95:583-589. [PMID: 31341038 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2018-135897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To examine junior doctors' experience and perceptions of medical errors in which they had been involved. STUDY DESIGN A mixed-methods design, consisting of an error survey and critical incident technique (CIT) interviews, was used. The survey asked doctors in the first year of postgraduate training in Ireland whether they had made a medical error that had 'played on (their) mind', and if so, to identify factors that had contributed to the error. The participants in the CIT interviews were asked to describe a medical error in which they had been involved. RESULTS A total of 201 out of 332 (60.5%) respondents to the survey reported making an error that 'played on their mind'. 'Individual factors' were the most commonly identified group of factors (188/201; 93.5%), with 'high workload' (145/201; 72.1%) the most commonly identified contributory factor. Of the 28 CIT interviews which met the criteria for analysis, 'situational factors' (team, staff, task characteristics, and service user factors) were the most commonly identified group of contributory factors (24/28; 85.7%). A total of eight of the interviews were judged by subject matter experts (n=8) to be of medium risk to patients, and 20 to be of high-risk to patients. A significantly larger proportion of high-risk scenarios were attributed to 'local working conditions' than the medium-risk scenarios. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to prepare junior doctors to manage, and cope with, medical error and to ensure that healthcare professionals are adequately supported throughout their careers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul O'Connor
- Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sinéad Lydon
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Orla Mongan
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fergal Connolly
- Department of Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lyle McVicker
- Medicine, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dara Byrne
- School of Medicine, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Irish Centre for Applied Patient Safety and Simulation, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Ward S, Outram S, Heslop B. Perceived utility and relevance of intern well-being sessions. Intern Med J 2018; 48:645-650. [PMID: 29464835 DOI: 10.1111/imj.13769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM We conducted a pilot project assessing the perceived utility and relevance of well-being sessions provided to interns at a large regional teaching hospital in Australia, with the aim of promoting intern well-being and fostering a nurturing and supportive learning and work hospital culture. METHODS Our intervention involved two separate 60-min lectures covering well-being topics and skills to approximately 50 interns within protected teaching time, along with emailed well-being resources. Participants were emailed an online survey asking questions about value and novelty of the sessions, and work satisfaction and stress, as well as open comments. A request for an additional interview to explore responses in more depth was included. RESULTS Fifty interns attended at least one of the sessions and 35 participated in the survey, six to an additional interview. Survey and interview data showed that the majority of interns perceived the sessions as valuable, relevant and useful and felt that ongoing sessions would benefit junior medical officers in future years. Feedback highlighted the importance of providing future sessions in person, incorporating an interactive approach and emphasised that work site factors and medical culture play a large causative role in their stress. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that well-being sessions are acceptable and useful to interns and should be incorporated into hospital teaching curricula, and evaluated. However, these programmes are unlikely to change the high stress experienced unless external and systemic stressors are addressed by all stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Ward
- Advanced Trainee Rehabilitation Medicine, Belmont Hospital, Belmont, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sue Outram
- Discipline of Health Behaviour Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Priority Research Centre Health Behaviour, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heslop
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Hayes B, Prihodova L, Walsh G, Doyle F, Doherty S. What's up doc? A national cross-sectional study of psychological wellbeing of hospital doctors in Ireland. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e018023. [PMID: 29042389 PMCID: PMC5652523 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-018023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure levels of psychological distress, psychological wellbeing and self-stigma in hospital doctors in Ireland. DESIGN National cross-sectional study of randomised sample of hospital doctors. Participants provided sociodemographic data (age, sex, marital status), work grade (consultant, higher/basic specialist trainee), specialty and work hours and completed well-being questionnaires (the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, WHO Well-being Index, General Health Questionnaire) and single-item scales on self-rated health and self-stigma. SETTING Irish publicly funded hospitals and residential institutions. PARTICIPANTS 1749 doctors (response rate of 55%). All hospital specialties were represented except radiology. RESULTS Half of participants were men (50.5%). Mean hours worked per week were 57 hours. Over half (52%) rated their health as very good/excellent, while 50.5% reported positive subjective well-being (WHO-5). Over a third (35%) experienced psychological distress (General Health Questionnaire 12). Severe/extremely severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress were evident in 7.2%, 6.1% and 9.5% of participants (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale 21). Symptoms of distress, depression, anxiety and stress were significantly higher and levels of well-being were significantly lower in trainees compared with consultants, and this was not accounted for by differences in sociodemographic variables. Self-stigma was present in 68.4%. CONCLUSIONS The work hours of doctors working in Irish hospitals were in excess of European Working Time Directive's requirements. Just over half of hospital doctors in Ireland had positive well-being. Compared with international evidence, they had higher levels of psychological distress but slightly lower symptoms of depression and anxiety. Two-thirds of respondents reported self-stigma, which is likely to be a barrier to accessing care. These findings have implications for the design of support services for doctors, for discussions on quality of patient care and for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blánaid Hayes
- Occupational Health Department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Research Department, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lucia Prihodova
- Research Department, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gillian Walsh
- Research Department, Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frank Doyle
- Department of Psychology, Division of Population and Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sally Doherty
- Department of Psychology, Division of Population and Health Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Geoghegan SE, Clarke E, Byrne D, Power D, Moneley D, Strawbridge J, Williams DJ. Preparedness of newly qualified doctors in Ireland for prescribing in clinical practice. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:1826-1834. [PMID: 28244609 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of the study was to investigate the level of preparedness of newly qualified Irish-trained doctors for prescribing, and to investigate their attitudes towards prescribing and prescribing education, through a national survey. METHODS A 29-item online survey was distributed to 686 newly qualified doctors 1 month prior to the completion of their first year of clinical practice (internship). Only graduates from Irish medical schools were included. RESULTS The response rate was 20.4% (n = 140; female : male 56%:44%). The majority of respondents felt confident in prescription writing (89%), medication history taking (81%) and accessing drug information in the hospital setting (80%). Only 58% of respondents felt confident in drug dose calculation, and 35% felt confident in preparing and administering drugs. When asked if their undergraduate medical education had prepared them for prescribing in clinical practice, 28% of respondents agreed. Confidence that their undergraduate education had prepared them was associated with receiving formal training in prescribing skills (P = 0.0045; 27% vs. 0%). Thirty-seven per cent of respondents agreed that they felt stressed about prescribing medications. CONCLUSION This survey of newly qualified doctors in Ireland found that only 28% of respondents agreed that their undergraduate medical education had prepared them for prescribing, which was comparable to a previous survey of UK medical students and graduates. Investigating confidence and preparedness for prescribing provides important insights for educators. Dedicated teaching of prescribing, with an emphasis on practical training and assessment, may help graduates to feel more prepared for the challenges of prescribing in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Elizabeth Geoghegan
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eric Clarke
- Health Professions Education Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dara Byrne
- Department of Medical Education, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Dermot Power
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Daragh Moneley
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Judith Strawbridge
- School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David James Williams
- Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric and Stroke Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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O'Dea B, O'Connor P, Lydon S, Murphy AW. Prevalence of burnout among Irish general practitioners: a cross-sectional study. Ir J Med Sci 2016; 186:447-453. [PMID: 26803315 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-016-1407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burnout constitutes a significant problem among physicians which impacts negatively upon both the doctor and their patients. Previous research has indicated that burnout is prevalent among primary care physicians in other European countries and North America. However, there is a paucity of research assessing burnout among Irish general practitioners and examining predictive factors. AIMS To report the findings of a survey of burnout among Irish general practitioners, and assess variables related to burnout in this population. METHODS An online, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to general practitioners working in the Republic of Ireland. RESULTS In total, 683 general practitioners (27.3 % of practising Irish general practitioners) completed the survey. Of these, 52.7 % reported high levels of emotional exhaustion, 31.6 % scored high on depersonalisation and 16.3 % presented with low levels of personal accomplishment. In total, 6.6 % presented with all three symptoms, fulfilling the criteria for burnout. Emotional exhaustion was higher among this sample than that reported in European and UK studies of burnout in general practitioners. Personal accomplishment was, however, higher in this sample than in other studies. Multiple regression analyses revealed that younger age, non-principal status role, and male gender were related to increased risk of burnout symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The symptoms of burnout appear prevalent among Irish general practitioners. This is likely to have a detrimental impact both upon the individual general practitioners and the patients that they serve. Research investigating the factors contributing to burnout in this population, and evaluating interventions to improve general practitioner well-being, is, therefore, essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O'Dea
- Kilmoganny Health Centre, Mill Street, Kilmoganny, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland.
- Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
| | - P O'Connor
- Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - S Lydon
- Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - A W Murphy
- Department of General Practice, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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