Collaboration is truly the key to the W21C's continued success. This is clearly illustrated when researchers associated with our network are recognized for their work. Please note the summary below of the ground breaking article in the Lancet entitled, Physician Wellness: a Missing Quality Indicator.

"When the physicians are unwell, the performance of health-care systems can be sub-optimum. Physician wellness might not only benefit the individual physician, it could also be vital to the delivery of high-quality health care. We review the work stresses faced by physicians, the barriers to attending wellness, the consequences of unwell physicians to the individual and to to health-care systems. We show that health systems should routinely measure physician wellness, and discuss the challenges associated with implementation." - Jean E. Wallace, Jane B. Lemaire, William A. Ghali - Lancet, Vol. 374. November 14 (2009). Physician wellness a missing quality indicator. To view the complete article please click here.

 

We know that being a doctor can be physically and emotionally overwhelming, but this study by Jean E. Wallace, Jane B. Lemaire, and William A. Ghali validate this assumption. Statistically, from their review, nearly half the doctors in one survey rated their mental health as fair or poor, which is more than twice the rate of the general population. As well, 25 - 60% of doctors report burn-out in the studies conducted. Also, 8 - 12% of doctors in practice might develop a substance abuse problem at some stage in their career. These are frightening statistics when we look at our health care needs and expectations. We are overworking our health practitioners and we need to address this issue. Wallace et al are raising awareness in their review along with recommending interventions to improve doctor's wellness. The bottom line: keeping our doctors happy makes for healthier patients and care.

 

 

 

 

Link to the podcast interview with lead Jean Wallace, PhD