Physicians as Trainers: Identifying and Managing the Distressed Trainee

Course details

The area of doctors’ health and well-being is attracting growing interest around the world. There is an evolving body of research looking at the impact of poor doctor health on patient care and in parallel, evidence showing that those who enjoy good mental health and are ‘engaged’ achieve better patient outcomes. Some studies show doctors are more prone to mental ill health than the general population and research in Ireland and internationally indicates that doctors do not access the same supports or in the same way as non medics in relation to mental and physical healthcare.

RCPI have developed a Physician Well-being program that aims to provide support and education for Trainees, Members and Fellow. It embodies our current understanding of attitudes of the health of doctors and highlights the aspects of medical practice that impact on how doctors care for their health and seek help when they are unwell. We aim to highlight the importance of work in the area of physician well-being, to generate enthusiasm, to pursue innovative approaches to support the health of doctors and to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding their own health and well-being.

‘Identifying and Managing the Distressed Trainee’ has been developed to inform trainers of the appropriate mechanisms to support distressed trainees and tools to identify trainees who struggle. The aims of the workshop are to increase trainers’ awareness, knowledge and skills in managing the trainee who is at risk to self and/or others, the distressed trainees who are at risk of burn out and potential mental health problems and the distressed trainee with no defined risk. Minimising the impact of rotations, time and resource limitations on the ability to proper respond to mental health issues of trainees will also feature.