The psychological health of emergency physicians in Australasia.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the psychological health of ACEM Fellows and the important factors that impact on this health.


METHODS
A cross-sectional, mail survey utilizing validated psychological instruments.


RESULTS
Three hundred and twenty-three (63.5%) of 510 physicians responded. Most were recently graduated males. Compared to a general population sample, their psychological health was good with greater optimism and mastery (P < 0.001), less anxiety, depression and physical symptoms (P < 0.001), better life satisfaction (P = 0.04) and similar perceived stress (P = 0.20). The mean work stress score (1 = low, 10 = high) was 5.6 +/- 2.1 (moderate stress) although 63 (19.5%) had very high scores (8-10). The mean work satisfaction score was 6.3 +/- 2.1 (moderate satisfaction) although 43 (13.3%) had very low scores (1-3). Perceptions of control over hours worked and mix of professional activities were positively associated with work and life satisfaction (P < 0.001) and negatively associated with work stress and measures of wellbeing (P < 0.001). Most employed adaptive coping strategies. However, maladaptive strategies (alcohol/drugs, denial, disengagement) were positively associated with anxiety, depression and stress (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Most physicians are psychologically healthy. However, there appears to be a subgroup that is not thriving. Workplace stress should be addressed promptly and greater flexibility provided over hours worked and mix of professional activities.
Taylor
David McD
DM
Emergency Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Vic. 3050, Australia. david.taylor@mh.org.au
Pallant
Julie F
JF
Crook
Heather D
HD
Cameron
Peter A
PA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D044362:Australasia; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004635:Emergency Medicine; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016526:Workload; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology