Impact of COVID-19 and Cyber-Attack directly Impacting Doctor Wellbeing

Doctor Wellbeing a Key Patient Safety Concern

Thursday, 27th May, 2021: The Medical Council has today launched a doctor wellbeing campaign highlighting how important it is for doctors to care for themselves in the wake of what has been one of the most challenging periods in Irish healthcare.

The campaign focuses on the importance of doctors caring for themselves, having a GP and seeking support when needed, in order to continue to care for and treat their patients safely.

A recent study shed light on doctor wellbeing in an Irish context during COVID-19 to date, and the ways in which doctors have been affected by the pandemic, both professionally and personally.

Findings from the Hospital Doctor Retention and Motivation Project, which the Medical Council is a research partner, respondents who were sampled from the Irish register of Medical Practitioners stated that in spite of many doctors reporting improvements to their physical wellbeing in the first wave of the pandemic, most doctors also experienced a decline in their mental wellbeing due to anxiety, emotional exhaustion, guilt, isolation and poor support.

The authors highlighted that the pre-existing stresses over health system strain, burnout and work–life balance were exacerbated by the pandemic, while underlining that there were few suitable supports in place to afford doctors the space and time to acknowledge, discuss and address the practical and emotional toll of working through the pandemic. In order to prevent burnout and allow them to continue the essential provision of safe patient care as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it is vital that such supports be put in place for all doctors and other healthcare workers.

The Medical Council President, Dr Rita Doyle, said “There isn’t a single person in Ireland whose life hasn’t been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 15 months in some way. This also applies to doctors.”

“Doctors have had to change the way they practise, consistently evolving to the changing circumstances, as revised guidance was issued during the various waves of the pandemic.”

“As we know from the research, doctor wellbeing and burnout has been an issue in Ireland long before the pandemic and we also know that this can lead to adverse events for patients.”

“The cyber-attack was the last thing the Irish Health Service needed. As the health service is trying to return services after the Pandemic, the cyber-attack struck. Some doctors have described this as having a far greater negative impact than the Pandemic on patient care and their wellbeing.”

“While many of the pre-existing issues from before the pandemic remain, the added stresses on the medical profession from COVID-19 and the cyber-attack mean it is now more important than ever before that doctors make the extra effort to care for themselves and to protect their mental and physical health.”

“One important step doctors can take to support their wellbeing is to ensure they are registered with a GP and seek the support of their GP when needed,” concluded Dr Doyle.

Incoming President of the Medical Council, Dr Suzanne Crowe, said “As a doctor working in a busy children’s hospital and from talking to my colleagues working in hospitals, and in the community across the country, it is clear the impact the last 15 months, and the cyber-attack, have had on doctors.”

“It is vitally important that doctors care for themselves and look after their own wellbeing, not just for themselves but for their patients, their families and their colleagues.”

“If a doctor is struggling, please seek support and don’t suffer in silence. The Medical Council, the HSE, the Post Graduate Training Bodies and many other groups have supports available for doctors, and other healthcare professionals.”

“The simple things, the actions we advise our patients to do, can make such a huge difference such as getting enough sleep, eating healthily, exercising and making time for friends and families,” concluded Dr Crowe.

Mr Leo Kearns, Medical Council CEO, said “We are delighted to launch this doctor wellbeing campaign today. Doctor wellbeing is a patient safety issue and an area of great importance for the Council.”

“The wellbeing guide, featuring practical tips and advice, in addition to the doctors around the country who are taking part in the campaign sharing their top wellbeing tips in the videos are all sharing the important message for doctors of the importance of looking after themselves, both physically and mentally,” concluded Mr Kearns.

The Medical Council Doctor Wellbeing Campaign features doctors from all branches of the medical profession, at various stages of their careers and from different parts of the country. The Wellbeing Campaign is promoting selfcare, the importance of doctors having a GP and highlights resources available for doctors.

The Hospital Doctor Retention and Motivation Project, of which the Medical Council is a research partner, is hosted by RCPI and funded by the Health Research Board.

The Medical Council has a statutory role in protecting the public by promoting the highest professional standards amongst doctors practising in the Republic of Ireland.

View the dedicated webpage here

Doctor Wellbeing Video available here

Doctor Wellbeing Tips Video available here

Doctor Wellbeing Guide Available here