Doctors admitted to a Physicians’ Health Program: a comparison of self-referrals versus directed referrals

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the profile of doctors with mental disorders admitted to a Physicians’ Health Program (PHP) depending on their type of referral.DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodWe analysed 1545 medical records of doctors admitted to the Barcelona PHP (PAIMM) from 1 February 1998 to 31 December 2012.ResultsMost doctors (83.2%) were self-referred to the programme. Patients non-self-referred were older (=55 vs =49.6 years; t=6.96, p<0.01) than those self-referred and there were more men (68.3%) than women (45.8%; OR=0.39; 95% CI 0.29 to 0.52). Self-referrals were more frequent among patients with non-addictive disorders (84.6% vs 15.4%; OR=4.52; 95% CI 3.23 to 28.45). Self-referred patients needed less inpatient admissions (16.8% vs30.9%; OR=2.22; 95% CI 1.63 to 3.01) and the length of their treatment episodes was shorter (=24.3 vs = 32.4 months; t=3.34; p<0.01). Logistic regression showed a significant model (χ2=67.52; df=3; p<0.001). Age, gender and diagnosis were statistically associated with type of referral to the programme.ConclusionsType of referral to a PHP may be influenced not only by sick doctors’ personal traits but also by each programme's design and how it is perceived by service users. Our findings should be taken into account when designing treatment and preventive interventions for this professional group.

Prevalence and Correlates of Psychological Symptoms in Chinese Doctors as Measured with the SCL‐90‐R: A Meta‐Analysis

“…The foremost reasons for seeking treatment were burnout and depression (43%), practice and everyday life problems (32%), addiction (13%), feelings of guilt following a professional error, an inability to work following an accident, post‐traumatic stress, and legal proceedings (12%; Hegenbarth, ). In Spain, the Physician Health Programme was developed in 1998 to offer outpatient services to registered doctors with psychological health problems (Braquehais et al, ). Either in developed or developing countries, the mental health and psychological well‐being of doctors are significant issues.…”

The consumption of psychoactive substances among French physicians: how do they perceive the creation of a dedicated healthcare system?

“…Because the goal is to address physicians suffering from SUDs, it is mandatory that the response of SHS be adapted in order to promote an alliance in care and the patient-physician’s adherence to the proposed contract. This fluidity of care requires that the specialized team in SUD adapts and overcomes the access barriers to care described in the literature to address addiction-related issues among their members and employees ( 13 , 31–33 ). In line with previous studies ( 34–36 ), the more frequent barriers cited in our study included denial of the SUD, fear of being judged, or experiencing stigma.…”

“…Respect of confidentiality emphasizes the delicate balance that physicians who are treating these “physicians-patients” are facing between the preservation of medical confidentiality and the obligation to report physicians who are unable to deliver competent medical services because of their SUDs ( 13 , 40 ). However, more and more, participation is becoming a confidential and voluntary option, serving as an alternative to discipline sanctions.…”

Diseño e implementación del Programa de Bienestar Profesional del Colegio Médico del Uruguay

“…El BienPro se desarrolló con la colaboración internacional de responsables e integrantes de programas ya en funcionamiento: el Programa de Salud del Médico de la Sociedad de Médicos del Distrito de Columbia en Estados Unidos 21 y el Programa de Atención Integral al Médico Enfermo (PAIME) de la Organización Médica Colegial de España, originalmente desarrollado por el Colegio de Médicos de Barcelona 10 , 12 , 22 , 23 . Estos asesoramientos incluyeron asuntos de carácter clínico-terapéutico, colegial, deontológico y jurídico.…”