What’s up doc? A national cross-sectional study of psychological wellbeing of hospital doctors in Ireland

Abstract

ObjectivesTo measure levels of psychological distress, psychological wellbeing and self-stigma in hospital doctors in Ireland.DesignNational 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.SettingIrish publicly funded hospitals and residential institutions.Participants1749 doctors (response rate of 55%). All hospital specialties were represented except radiology.ResultsHalf 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%.ConclusionsThe 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.

What type of worker are you? Work-related Inventory (WI-10): A comprehensive instrument for the measurement of workaholism

“…Scholars have analyzed work in many aspects, such as the psychological health and well-being associated to jobs characterized by high stress, like those of military personnel (e.g., [1][2][3]) and healthcare professionals (e.g., [4][5][6]). Moreover, many researchers have been interested in the effects of the ergonomic and structural aspects of the job (e.g., [7][8][9]) and the influence that physical and mental health problems may have on work (e.g., [10][11][12]).…”

Anxiety Amongst Physicians During COVID-19: Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

“…Higher workload is a crisis these days across the world due to staff shortages, leading to long and stressful duties for critical patients [25]. Research has also identi ed that anxiety is caused by unsustainable workload and increasing uncertain nature of job [26][27][28]. Recruitment of non-practicing doctors to relieve the workplace resource burden is urgently needed.…”

Students' self-perception about their Quality of Life is overestimated: is this the base of their mental troubles?

“…In Ireland, that more than one third (35%) of physicians experience psychological distress. Symptoms of severe depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 7,2%, 6,1%, and 9.5% of respondents, respectively (Hayes, 2017). QoL may be even harder for medical students to achieve.…”