Supporting a Trainee at Risk of Burnout

 
 

What is burnout?

The WHO ICD-11 definition of burnout is "a syndrome conceptualised as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed."

It includes:

  1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion

  2. Increased mental distance from ones job or feelings of negativity or cynicism.

  3. Reduced professional efficacy.

It is an occupational phenomenon.

We know that the proportion of our workforce at risk of burnout is higher than ever before. The 2023 National Training Survey found that across the UK, two thirds of trainees are now at high or moderate risk of burnout.

With growing clinical demands and rota gaps exacerbating this problem. Burnout is associated with the development of mental health issues and suicidal ideation, with some doctors ultimately choosing to leave the profession as a result.

Below are some resources you may find useful or you may wish to signpost your trainee to in relation to wellbeing at work:

  1. Advice on rest and fatigue

  2. NHS Lothian Staff Support - mental, physical and financial help

  3. National Wellbeing Hub

  4. Coaching for wellbeing

  5. Referral to Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS)

  6. Additional resources

 
 

1. Ensure fatigue and rest are considered.

Shift Work, Fatigue and Rest Resources (scot.nhs.uk) - information on shift work and ensuring we are rested.

Working through this with your trainee might be helpful. Some of these suggestions may seem simple but can be the first habits to slip on a busy on call rota.

 
 

2. NHS Lothian Staff Support

These resources cover mental, physical and financial help. It has options for fast support, more specialist support and to help planning for the future. This includes coaching for wellness, a confidential 1:1 session lasting up to 90 minutes.

 
 

3. National Wellbeing Hub

The national wellbeing hub recognises that while we spend a significant time caring for others, we may not be as good at caring for ourselves.

Resources include articles, podcasts, top tips, videos and webinars.

National Wellbeing Hub

 
 

4. Coaching for Wellbeing

A coaching service available to all staff in Health, Social Care and Social work in Scotland.

2 hours of free coaching offering a safe space to reflect on what is going on for you/your trainee right now with support to explore and make positive changes.

 
 

5 Consider referral to TDWS

If a trainee requires additional wellbeing support please consider referral to NES Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service. Referrals can be made by trainer or by the trainee.

Please note it can take a few weeks to be seen so please consider additional local support alongside this.

 
 

6. Additional resources

BMA wellbeing resources - list of support services offered in different areas of the UK