Work

Occupational stress in palliative medicine, medical oncology and clinical oncology specialist registrars

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: A cross-sectional complete enumeration postal survey was conducted to compare stress levels between specialist registrars (SpRs) in palliative medicine, clinical oncology and medical oncology. Four hundred and one UK-registered SpRs responded (response rate 63.1%). Levels of psychological distress and depression were measured by GHQ-12 and SCL-D: 102/390 (26.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.8-30.5%)) scored > 3 on GHQ-12 indicating psychological distress, 44/391 (11.3%, 95% CI = 8.1-14.4%) scored > or = 1.5 on SCL-D indicative of depression. Suicidal ideation was indicated by 15 responders. There were no significant differences between specialties. The effect of stress on personal or family life was the dominant predictor of both psychological distress and depression, although dissatisfaction with choice of specialty and feeling underutilised also contributed. One in four SpRs experience stress. These results are similar to studies of general practitioner principals and consultants from other specialties. Stress needs to be managed if doctors are to survive professional life.

Source: Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.7-3-235

Authors: Richard Berman, Malcolm Campbell, Wendy Makin, Chris Todd

Institutions: Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, The Christie Hospital, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester

Language: English

Topic: Healthcare professionals’ stress and burnout

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,500