Iniatives to Support and Promote the Wellbeing of Trainee Psychiatrists

Context: Of late there has been greater focus on the wellbeing of doctors. This has been reflected in initiatives such as the AMA's Safe Hours campaign and various state-based Doctor's Health Programs.

Despite this cultural shift, there persists a climate of increasing burden in training and work expectations, coupled with greater medicolegal responsibility. Therefore, in a profession where stress, higher rates of suicide, and a reluctance to seek help are evident, these stressors are having a significant impact on doctors’ well-being.

It is therefore opportune to consider the Healer's “soul” by promoting mental health in a profession that places so much emphasis on maintaining the wellbeing of others.

Objectives:

• To provide information about two models of support for psychiatry trainees-a mentor scheme and a peer support program implemented in an inner metropolitan psychiatric service.

• To stimulate discussion amongst delegates about these models, as well as other potential forms of support.

Key messages:

• Both models of support are beneficial but have imperfections.

• Processes of support need to be dynamic, flexible and anticipatory so that difficulties can be dealt with early.

Conclusions:

• Evidence is limited regarding the efficacy of such support programs, but qualitative reports suggest that they have been well received and have good face validity.

• Further research into this field is needed so support programs can be implemented more broadly, with greater resources and funding allocated to the important issue of trainees’ wellbeing.