Pune: All over the world, individuals are generally advised to speak to a doctor when stress-related issues feel too challenging. However, a study revealed that in comparison to the general population, the amount of doctors experiencing ‘above threshold’ levels of stress is 28 per cent. However, some experienced doctors shared tips with Sakal Times that medical professionals can use to reduce occupational stress.
Studies by international medical associations as well as the Mayo Clinic revealed that doctors on a weekly basis work 10 hours more than the average population.
The rates of emotional exhaustion were also higher at 43 per cent than the general population rate at 24 per cent.
Speaking about this, Dr Santoshkumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist of the Asian Heart Institute said that doctors deal with multiple cases with a high-level of complexity on a daily basis due to which doctors may need to put in extra hours, so as to ensure that the patient receives the best treatment.
“Doctors’ shifts, apart from being lengthy, are filled with strenuous activity. While they are always on-call, this could lead to an experience of chronic stress due to lack of restorative time. While in many jobs, a few mistakes are rectifiable, it is not the same in the case of a doctor’s job. Taking into consideration the former point, doctors face a risk of maintaining a perfectionist attitude which can be damaging in ways that aren’t always recognised. Doctors constantly face emotionally draining situations which is another factor that puts them under increased risk for burnout,” said Dr Dora.
He added that the best way to decrease stress during office hours is to keep interacting with patients and relatives and give enough time to listen to them while explaining the facts about the disease and the possible outcomes even with the best possible treatment efforts.
“So be patient with the patient. Yoga and meditation give lots of peace and calmness. This, in turn, helps in decreasing the stress during working hours,” said Dr Dora.
Sharing similar views, Dr Vijay D’Silva, Director of Medical Affairs and Critical Care, Asian Heart Institute said medicine is a biological science and has its imperfections unlike mathematics or physics, which can predict perfect results.
“Medical professionals should realise that they can’t give perfect results at all times. Though they save many lives, stress is a part of their roller coaster ride. The stress can be minimised by clear and timely communication of the patient’s medical problem, its treatment, success rates, complications, alternative treatment options and cost involved to the patient and relatives. Also a doctor can reduce the stress by being physically and emotionally healthy,” said Dr D’Silva.
