Stress and the medical profession: coping with mistakes

Evidence that stress was increasing amongst doctors led the BMA to investigate the true extent of the problem. This investigation resulted in the publication of a report `Stress and the Medical Profession´ in 1992. This report reviewed the available evidence on stress within the medical profession and confirmed that there was a serious problem that needed to be addressed. A number of recommendations were made to minimise and manage doctors´ stress. Subsequent to the publication of the report the BMA launched an educational video entitled `A Stressful Shift´. The video helps doctors identify and explore sources of stress related to their profession and to examine the coping mechanisms they employed. In 1993 the BMA produced a further report that reviewed the morbidity and mortality of the medical profession in relation to workload. Although there was a lack of clear data regarding this matter, the report identified suicide as unusually prevalent in doctors. Most recently the BMA has commissioned research at the University of Nottingham Centre for Organisational Health and Development, to examine organisational factors leading to stress. The study will assess work related stress in doctors and examine its management using a risk assessment-risk management approach. The BMA is also establishing a pilot BMA helpline for doctors needing support, counselling and guidance. The paper looks at some of the problems that doctors face