Building Mental Resilience - How can healthcare systems better support doctors in maintaining their mental well-being?

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Dr. Shastri Motilal, a Primary Care Specialist in Trinidad, who also serves as a Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of the Postgraduate Programmes in Family Medicine at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, UWI St. Augustine

Dr. Motilal, gives his his perspectives on how healthcare systems can better support doctors in safeguarding their mental well-being.

To support doctors’ mental well-being, healthcare systems need to focus on both individual coping mechanisms, as well as creating a supportive work environment. To promote personal wellness training can be offered in stress management, mindfulness, and resilience-building techniques. For example, implementing Balint groups has been shown to reduce physician burnout. This is an opportunity for physicians to discuss challenging cases in a peer group setting that help builds empathy, self-awareness and improve doctor-patient relationships. Teaching and prioritizing self-care to all family physicians should be also standard practice and supported throughout careers.

Support must also go beyond wellness workshops. There should be policies that specify adequate staffing targets to minimize exhaustion and burnout. Appointment systems can ensure enough time for patient-centered consultations. This would improve both patient and doctor satisfaction. Access to mental health services is also mandatory where family doctors can voluntarily seek psychological support. Dedicated employee assistance programs with protected time off, can ensure timely access that is also confidential.

Lastly creating a culture of psychological safety and support among peers can also help. Clear lines of communication should exist among peers and leadership so concerns can be voiced and heard without fear of judgement or victimization. Having dedicated mentors in the work environment can offer not only professional guidance but also build confidence, offer motivation and assist with coping.



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