A recent study conducted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa unit has found that a staggering 42% of doctors in the state are suffering from burnout. The study, titled “State Of Our Health: The Wellness of Doctors in Goa,” was conducted in collaboration with NGO Sangath, the Goa Institute of Management, and the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The study highlights the concerning mental health toll that the demanding medical profession can take on doctors. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a lack of personal accomplishment. The study found that depression and anxiety are common mental health issues faced by Goan doctors, with 12-15% of doctors engaging in risky alcohol consumption and 20% drinking to cope with stress.
The factors contributing to burnout among Goan doctors include:
· Work-related stress: Long hours, erratic on-calls, administrative problems, and emotional burden from witnessing suffering and death.
· Limited control: Feeling powerless over complex systems such as insurance.
· Emotional burden: Witnessing suffering and death on a regular basis can be emotionally taxing and lead to compassion fatigue.
The rising prevalence of burnout among doctors is a serious concern, as it can have a negative impact on patient care. Burned-out doctors are more likely to leave practice, which reduces patients’ access to care. Burnout can also affect patient safety and care quality when depersonalization leads to poor interactions with patients and when burned-out physicians experience impaired attention, memory, and executive function.
“We take the responsibility towards our members very seriously,” said Dr. Sandesh Chodankar, President IMA, Goa. “We are committed to working with all stakeholders to create a supportive environment for doctors in Goa so that they can focus on providing quality care to their patients.”
The IMA Goa unit’s efforts to address doctor burnout are commendable. It is important to raise awareness of this issue and to take steps to support the well-being of doctors. By doing so, we can ensure that patients continue to have access to high-quality care.
