Description

Employee stress is now well recognised by the NHS. Stressors may be both occupational and personal. Research has shown that stress is common in doctors and may be more likely in anaesthetists. Although stress is more likely in middle age, often manifest by “burn out” and early retirement due to ill health, many studies have shown that as many as 30% of trainees will experience problems during their training and may be reluctant to seek help. The transition to consultant status has been shown to bring with it additional stress of a non-clinical nature and some trainees may not be prepared for this. Stress management programmes are freely available but are aimed more at senior doctors and may be costly. Trainees with a limited study leave budget and the pressure of examinations are unlikely to enrol. Stress management can be taught as part of the curriculum in the anaesthetic department and can be shown to enhance the ability of all trainees to perform in all aspects of personal and professional life.