Does a self-referral counselling program reach doctors in need of help? A comparison with the general Norwegian doctor workforce
2007

Counseling Program for Doctors in Norway

Sample size: 227 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Rø Karin E Isaksson, Gude Tore, Aasland Olaf G

Primary Institution: University of Oslo

Hypothesis

Do self-referral counseling programs effectively reach doctors in need of help?

Conclusion

Doctors participating in the counseling program showed higher levels of emotional exhaustion, depression, and anxiety compared to the general population of Norwegian doctors.

Supporting Evidence

  • 49% of the Sana doctors were emotionally exhausted compared to 25% of all Norwegian doctors.
  • 73% of Sana doctors could be in need of treatment for depression or anxiety.
  • 21% of Sana doctors had a history of suicidal thoughts compared to 10% of Norwegian doctors.

Takeaway

This study shows that many doctors are very stressed and need help, and a special program in Norway helps them find that help.

Methodology

The study involved 227 doctors who participated in a counseling program, with assessments made through self-report questionnaires on various mental health indicators.

Potential Biases

Self-reported information may introduce bias in the assessment of emotional distress and help-seeking behavior.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may be influenced by the participants' distress levels.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 117 women and 110 men, with a mean age of 46.9 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Confidence Interval

95% CI 1.88–2.06

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-7-36

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication