RCOG Release: Doctors Have A Life Too, UK

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) has released its Working Party report Getting a Life: Work-Life Balance in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The report provides useful, practical advice to obstetricians and gynaecologists on how to achieve work-life balance.

Recent studies have demonstrated that, because of the very nature of their work, doctors can come under significant stress throughout their careers. While stress may affect anyone, when it is admitted to, it is often perceived as a personal weakness. Stress, however, often affects those with high work principles and those who are very conscientious. The results of stress can accumulate and may cause significant physical, psychological, emotional or behavioural problems.

In order for O&G consultants to best serve their patients, they need added support from their peer group, trusts and the NHS. The RCOG Working Party report sought to identify the common issues facing stressed doctors, so that other problems such as psychological distress and alcohol or substance misuse can be prevented. A range of solutions is offered.



The demanding nature of out-of-hours obstetric care and the move towards a consultant-led service means that in order for doctors to remain motivated, agreed job plans are needed. This is so that workloads are reassessed yearly and managed. This also assists the Trust to identify issues of concern and results in better planning of skills-mix within a team. Clinical care and governance should improve and so should the doctor's personal job satisfaction.

Mr Richard Warren, RCOG Honorary Secretary and chair of the Working Party said, "Doctors sometimes forget that they themselves may fall sick. They must be supported so that they recover quickly.

"The demands of O&G mean that conscientious doctors do find themselves working harder when they have little energy and this may result in an unhealthy spiral of guilt and disillusionment. Apart from having a potentially damaging affect on the doctor's life, there is also an impact on patient care and we must find ways to support our doctors so that they are healthy and continue to provide excellent care."

Source:
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists