an important issue!
The purpose of this brochure is to
introduce doctors and medical students to the NSW Doctors' Mental Health Implementation
Committee and explain its origins and activities. The committee sees greater awareness and
recognition of mental health and related problems among doctors and medical students as a
priority issue.
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A Doctors’ Mental Health Working Group was
established in 1996. This was in response to an apparent increase in medical practitioner
suicides and growing concerns about the levels of stress and mental health problems in NSW
doctors. It was a joint initiative of the NSW Health Department and the Australian Medical
Association (NSW Branch). Professor Beverley Raphael, Director, Centre for Mental Health,
NSW Health Department convened the Working Group and its membership was drawn from key
medical organisations. The Working Group produced an important report that was presented
to members of the medical profession by Dr Andrew Refshauge, NSW Minister for Health, in
October 1997.
The Working Group consulted widely and reviewed services offered
to doctors and medical students for mental health and stress related problems. The
subsequent report contained more than 80 recommendations covering the following areas
 | Data collection and research
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| Promotion of mental health and well being
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| Early detection and intervention
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| Management of mental health problems
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| Follow up
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Central to the recommendations in the report was the formation
of the NSW Doctors' Mental Health Implementation Committee. This committee, established of
the request of the NSW Minister for Health, comprises representatives from all areas of
the profession, The organisations represented ore listed at the back of this brochure.
The purpose of the committee is to:
| undertake a comprehensive literature review
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| develop a mental health policy with a focus on the promotion
of mental health and well being and the early detection of mental health problems among
doctors end medical students
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| consult with Area Health Services, medical colleges medical
schools, and other medical organisations about the development of strategies to implement
the policy.
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The committee will report its progress to the NSW Minister for
Health and the NSW Health Department. At the conclusion of the project the committee
intends to inform all doctors of the progress achieved.
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Although there is no comprehensive data relating to
doctors' mental health in Australia, Hume and Wilhelm reported that eight percent of
doctors sought assistance for mental health problems during their intern year. A study of
stress and burnout among medical students and new graduates currently underway by Willcock
et al indicates that there may be significant predictors for burnout and stress, allowing
for supportive strategies to be implemented in high risk situations.
International studies all report substantially higher suicide
rates for doctors compared to the general population and other professions. Other studies
have identified the self-prescription of psychotropics and narcotics as a particular area
of concern.
It is increasingly recognised that doctors are exposed to a
variety of stresses for which they are often ill prepared. These include extended work
hours, sleep deprivation, time pressures and unrealistically high expectations by self and
others. There are often early warning signs of problems such as mood changes, increased
conflict at home or work and increased use of alcohol or other drugs. |
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There ore times when doctors must step out of the ‘caring
for others' role and be cared for themselves. Every doctor has the right to be a patient
and to receive high quality medical care in a timely manner. Doctors should not treat
their own illnesses or self-prescribe. Similarly, doctors should not engage in 'corridor
consultations’ with colleagues in relation to their personal health. It is strongly
recommended that every doctor has his or her own general practitioner. Doctors
experiencing rnental health or stress related problems should consult their doctor or seek
advice from the Doctors' Health Advisory Service (phone 02 9437 6552), a completely
confidential service.
Your Say
The Implementation Committee is interested in your views about
issues related to the mental health of doctors and medical students. If you would like to
contribute to this project please write to
Dr Tony Williams
Independent Chair
Doctors' Mental Health Implementation Committee
PO Box 422
St Leonards NSW 2065
This brochure had been made possible by an educational grant from
SmithKline Beecham International. SmithKline Beecham care about doctors and their health
and are pleased to be associated with this project. |
Copyright
© 1998-2004.
Medical Benevolent Association of New South Wales. All rights reserved.
Citation suggestion:
Medical Benevolent Association of NSW, Doctors Mental Health Brochure
(http://www.dmh.org.au/dmh/dmh_brochure.htm) [date accessed]
Last revised: 20 April 2004 16:07
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