Physician you can heal yourself! Cognitive behavioural training reduces stress in GPs.

BACKGROUND

High stress and low morale is a well accepted and studied phenomenon in general practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the benefits and mechanisms of stress management training in improving the psychological well-being and morale of GPs.

METHODS

There were 85 GPs in the treatment group and 25 GPs in the control group, all from the Adelaide metropolitan region. The treatment group GPs were surveyed by questionnaire before and after a 15 h cognitive behavioural stress management training programme.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The study found that following this training programme, GPs' quality of work life and morale improved while their work-related distress and general psychological distress decreased. These gains were maintained or further improved at 12 week follow-up. Furthermore, results suggested that the most robust long-term benefits came from developing a problem-focused style to cope with life and work events.