MENTAL-HEALTH OF HOSPITAL CONSULTANTS - THE EFFECTS OF STRESS AND SATISFACTION AT WORK

Background Burnout and psychiatric morbidity among gastroenterologists , surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists in the UK have been estimate d by means of a questionnaire-based survey. The relationship between c onsultants' mental health and their job stress and satisfaction, as we ll as their job and demographic characteristics, were also examined. M ethods Psychiatric morbidity was estimated using the 12-item General H ealth Questionnaire. The three components of burnout-emotional exhaust ion, depersonalisation, and low personal accomplishment-were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Job stress and satisfaction were measured using study-specific questions. Findings Of 1133 consultants, 882 (78%) returned questionnaires. The estimated prevalence of psychi atric morbidity was 27%, with no significant differences between the f our specialist groups. Radiologists reported the highest level of burn out in terms of low personal accomplishment. Job satisfaction signific antly protected consultants' mental health against job stress. Three s ources of stress were associated with both burnout and psychiatric mor bidity: feeling overloaded, and its effect on home life; feeling poorl y managed and resourced; and dealing with patients' suffering. Burnout was also associated with low satisfaction in three domains: relations hips with patients, relatives, and staff; professional status/esteem; intellectual stimulation. In addition, being aged 55 years or less and being single were independent risk factors for burnout. Burnout was a lso more prevalent among consultants who felt insufficiently trained i n communication and management skills. Interpretation Consultants' men tal health is likely to be protected against the high demands of medic al practice by maintaining or enhancing job satisfaction, and by provi ding training in communication and management skills.