Suicide among doctors in Aotearoa

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2022-10-28 00:01

New Zealand

Photo by Piron Guillaume on Unsplash

An editorial in the New Zealand Medical Journal says that burnout, depression, and anxiety are increasingly common amongst doctors. These conditions impair doctors' ability to perform at home and at work, and are a common contributor to suicide risk. Complaints and disciplinary processes are also burdens that weigh heavily on doctors, increasing their risk. Interventions such as reducing workload and improving teamwork appear to be the most effective at improving doctor's mental health, while mindfulness and general stress management training give only minor benefits. In New Zealand the use of confidential counselling services has increased significantly in the last few years, but some doctors avoid treatment as they fear sanctions. The authors recommend a system wide approach, and say that the creation of Te Whatu Ora is an ideal time to address the "pathogenic" culture in which doctors work.

Media release

From: New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA)

Burnout, depression and anxiety are increasingly common diseases amongst doctors that
impair their ability to perform at home and at work, as well as cope with life stressors. Burnout
has been documented to affect 45% in a consultant survey in one New Zealand hospital prior to
the COVID-19 pandemic, and this is likely to have increased with the present frustrating work
environment. Overseas counties have found increased mental health issues amongst doctors in
the present phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Documentation of increased suicide risk among
doctors dates back to the nineteenth century. Estimates of suicide vary but are generally
considered to be higher than the general population.

Journal/
conference: New Zealand Medical Journal

Organisation/s: University of Otago

Funder: na

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