O6

O6

THE GRASS IS NOT ALWAYS GREENER: THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF DOCTORS WORKING IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

1. Yarker¹, G. Kinman²
2. ¹Affinity Health at Work, UK
3. ²Birkbeck, University of London, UK

Background

Doctors in private practice are at high risk of work-related stress, burnout, and mental health issues. Their wellbeing and the quality of patient care they provide are strongly influenced by their working environment (Kinman et al., 2023). Most research on risk in healthcare focuses on public sector staff, meaning that the unique challenges in private practice are often overlooked. Existing studies are largely from Europe and North America, with little known about the experiences of the global community.  This project examined the experiences and psychosocial working conditions of doctors in private practice or dual roles (e.g. working in both private and public organisations) to inform support strategies that improve wellbeing and patient care.

Methods

A mixed-methods approach combined a systematic literature review, interviews and survey. Fourteen peer-reviewed studies compared working conditions, mental health, and patient care in private vs. public practice. Interviews with 15 doctors provided insights into their work experiences. Informed by the review and interviews, a survey of 527 private clinicians examined psychosocial conditions, health impacts, work outcomes, and the use of health and wellbeing resources.

Results

Doctors in private practice faced high demands, emotional strain, moral injury, and burnout, similar to their counterparts in public practice. Yet benefit from better work-life balance, more job control, and higher rewards. Many lacked access to support, but where offered it benefited them.

Conclusions

As more doctors consider a move to private practice, further consideration is needed of both the work environment and the support available.

References:

1. Kinman, G., Dovey, A., & Teoh, K. (2023). Burnout in healthcare: Risk factors and solutions. Society of Occupational Medicine.
2. Teoh, K., Singh, J., Medisauskaite, A., & Hassard, J. (2023). Doctors’ perceived working conditions, psychological health and patient care: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 80(2), 61-69.
3. Kinman, G., & Teoh, K. R.-H. (2018). What could make a difference to the mental health of UK doctors? A review of the research evidence. Society of Occupational Medicine.
4. Doyle, Y., Bull, A., & Keen, J. (2000). Role of private sector in United Kingdom healthcare system Commentary: Cooperation should be based on what the public wants and needs from its healthcare system. BMJ, 321(7260), 563–565. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7260.563