95% of GPs have experienced workplace stress in the past year — survey

Doctors could be at increased risk of burnout after a survey indicated 95% of GPs experienced workplace stress in the past year.

A survey of 492 Irish GPs by the UK-based Medical Protection Society found that for 90% of respondents, the most stressful factor was increased patient expectations.

The second most stressful factor was given as an increasing risk of litigation, cited by 77% of respondents, while heavy workloads was listed as a stress factor by 75% of those questioned.

The survey also found that while almost half of all respondents said they still enjoyed their job, some 30% said the stress experienced in the past year had made them question their future in the profession.

Stress at work also affected the personal lives of respondents, according to 80% of those questioned, with a similar percentage claiming their health and wellbeing had been impacted upon. For 60% of respondents their empathy towards patients had been affected by stress, while 56% said their concentration had been affected.

The MPS will hold its third annual General Practice Conference, entitled ‘Spotlight on Risk’, in Dublin on Saturday, September 13, at which 200 GPs are expected to attend.

At the event, GP and author Dr Mark Rowe will speak on the subject of ‘Prescription for Happiness’. He said it was “no surprise” that some doctors were experiencing stress at work.

“GPs face a number of specific challenges on a daily basis, including increasing patient expectations, the risk of litigation and complaints, dealing with chronic illness, pressure to keep knowledge up to date, an unstable regulatory environment and long hours,” he said. “It is therefore no surprise that they are particularly prone to stress and burnout.”

MPS medical director Dr Rob Hendry said any doctors feeling the ill-effects of stress needed to get help as quickly as possible.

“Stress and burnout can affect a doctor’s judgement, concentration and productivity which in turn can lead to mistakes being made. Even a relatively minor error can be devastating for all those concerned, undermining the doctor-patient relationship and potentially disrupting a doctor’s career,” he said. “We’re pleased to see 77% of GPs who experienced stress sought support from family and friends.”