Burnout in Doctors

I'm starting this blog because so many little things make me angry at work that I've got to do something about it. I've got a mental list of things I will, and won't do if I ever get to the dizzy heights of Consultant but I think I'm going to need to write them down to remember them all!

This blog is a sort of therapy for me, an a way to keep track of all my thoughts. I think that bits of it will indeed make me a better Doctor.

Today I read this article:
"http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2014/02/for-the-young-doctor-about-to-burn-out/284005/"

And I agreed. It's the swiss cheese effect really - there are a lot of holes but if they line up, the cumulative effect is terrible. I think most people suffer from burnout at some point - and it might just be the ridiculous eight page long application form for an exam that tips them over the edge. We all know the problem - but what can we do about it? I have a few thoughts. I don't think implementing them now will be any good, but When I'm a Consultant... (or work in a supportive environment)

1. I'M SAFE
Kent Air Ambulance crew members use an I'M SAFE checklist at the start of their shift, as do pilots. Why shouldn't we? Maybe because we don't accept anyone might not be fit - because if you turn up for work...you're 100% right? It might be you're tired, so more likely to be sensitive. Or more likely to make mistakes. Or that you've just had a lump removed from your arm and can't do CPR - it's good for the shift leader to know. Tick a box - details only if needed.

2. Debriefs
We need compulsory regular debriefs after every death in the department - even when it goes well as a resuscitation effort, you need to know you did everything right, especially if the patient arrived alive. Start debriefing the deaths, and then move on to ITU admissions, etc.

3. Personal Health Training
As part of our training, probably at the beginning of each rotation, we should be told clearly what is expected from us. We should be told who to contact when things go wrong. We should be given methods on coping with the stress (self - hypnosis for me). And we should think about how to identify when we are stressed - as then we don't give good care to our patients. And that is why we work. Maybe we should all have compulsory chats with a counselor - it's good to talk after all!

Audits and supervisors...now that's another topic.