G399 Psychological support for trainee paediatricians. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Illingworth, C; Kelsall, AW
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 104:(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: A162
• Page End: A162
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-rcpch.385
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: Paediatrics can be a challenging career. Having identified the need for psychological support for trainee paediatricians, the Deanery funded dedicated psychology time for 12 months. This abstract reports the findings of the pilot project established in July 2017 to mitigate against the effects of secondary traumatic stress and to offer support to trainees who were finding their training challenging. It was agreed that support provided would be focused on work related issues and not for therapy for on-going mental health problems or support around personal issues. Methods: Trainees were referred by the Head of School of Paediatrics or Training Programme Directors with trainee consent. Trainees were asked to complete two questionnaires in advance: The Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) and The Workplace Resiliency Inventory (WRI). At the end of each session, trainee paediatricians were also given a session feedback questionnaire. Results: Over 12 months, 23 referrals were received. Trainees were seen 4 weeks (range 7 days to 6 months) after referral. 9, (39%) were level 1 trainees (ST1- ST3); 6, (26%) level 2 (ST4-ST5) and 8, (35%) level 3 trainees (ST6-ST8). 13 (56%) occurred at times of transition (ST3, ST4, ST6 and ST8). Referral reasons included: life events (39%) general work pressure (31%), difficult clinical scenarios (13%), mental health problems (9%), family relationships (4%) and physical health problems (4%). Number of sessions was mean 2 (range1–9). The questionnaire results indicated average to high levels of compassion satisfaction, low to average levels of burnout and low to average levels of secondary traumatic stress. 11, (48%) reported high resiliency levels; 11 (48%) moderate and 1 (4%) low. Session feedback was overwhelmingly positive. 3 (13%) trainees were signposted to additional services. Conclusion: This work highlights the importance of providing specialist support to paediatric trainees, enabling them to appraise and process difficult clinical and other experiences that impact on their training and provide them with strategies to manage difficult emotions and improve resilience. Following its success, the project has been funded for an additional year with plans to expand to trainees in other specialities.