Can we improve the mental health of doctors and thereby improve the care they give?

Outline
The prevalence and occupational risk factors for burnout and psychiatric morbidity among oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, clinical radiologists and palliative physicians have been compared in a national survey involving 1281 consultants. The prevalence of mental health problems was broadly similar across the specialist groups. The findings suggest that consultants' mental health is likely to be protected against the high demands of medical practice by maintaining or enhancing job satisfaction, and by providing training in communication and management skills.

A follow-up survey, planned for 2001, will examine the effects of change over time and test predictions based on the current findings. In particular we are interested to see what has happened to high GHQ scorers over time in terms of persistent mental health problems, impact on patient care and early retirement.

Duration of Study
1993-1994
2001-2003

Main Researcher
Jill Graham

Publications
J Graham, IP Albery, AJ Ramirez, MA Richards. How hospital consultants cope with stress at work: implications for their mental health. Stress Medicine (in press).

J Graham, AJ Ramirez, S Field, MA Richards. Job stress and satisfaction among clinical radiologists. Clincal Radiology 2000; 55:182-185.

J Graham, AJ Ramirez. Surgical stress: the psychological stress of a surgical career. Surgery 1998; 16: 5:i-ii.

J Graham, AJ Ramirez. Mental health of hospital consultants. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 1997; 43: 227-231.

AJ Ramirez, J Graham, MA Richards, AR Timothy. Stress at work for the Clinical Oncologist. Clinical Oncology 1996; 8: 137-139.

J Graham, AJ Ramirez, A Cull, I Finlay, A Hoy, MA Richards. Job stress and satisfaction among palliative physicians. Palliative Medicine 1996; 10: 185-194.

AJ Ramirez, J Graham, MA Richards, A Cull, WM Gregory. Mental health of hospital consultants: the effects of stress and satisfaction at work. Lancet 1996; 347: 724-728.

AJ Ramirez, J Graham, MA Richards, A Cull, WM Gregory, M Leaning, DC Snashall, A Timothy. Burnout and psychiatric disorder among cancer clinicians. British Journal of Cancer 1995; 71(6): 1263-1269.

J Graham, AJ Ramirez, MA Richards. Oncologists and stress. International Monitor in Oncology 1995; 13: 83-85.