Doctors with recent or current complaints have significant risks of moderate/severe depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation, according to a large anonymous survey published in the BMJ.
This is true regardless of whether the complaint is against a GP, an ophthalmologist, an anaesthetist, a gynaecologist-obstetrician, a surgeon or any other clinician.
Most of the 7926 respondents included in the study reported practising defensively as a result of their complaint. This included avoidance of procedures and high-risk patients.
Doctors who have recently received a complaint of any kind are 77% more likely to suffer from moderate to severe depression than those who have never had a complaint, write Tom Bourne and colleagues in their cross-sectional survey.
They also have double the risk of having thoughts of self-harm and double the risk of anxiety.
They reported increases in cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders, anger and irritability, suicidal thoughts, sleep difficulty, relationship problems and frequent headaches.
“We have also shown that 80% of doctors answering the survey reported changing the way they practised as a result of either complaints against themselves, or after observing a colleague go through a complaints process,” the authors write.
“The majority (84%) of doctors reported hedging behaviour in response to a complaint (ie, increased defensive practise), while many (46%) admitted avoidance. A further important finding was that many doctors who had a complaint (20%) felt they were victimised after whistleblowing, 39% reported that they felt bullied when they were going through the process and 27% had more than a month off work.”
Tego understands that complaints, claims and litigation can be stressful for medical and healthcare professionals, and has a 24-hour support hotline for clients: 1300 834 683.
The hotline is staffed by lawyers and provides expert counselling aimed at helping clients get through a claim or complaint quickly and strategically, so you can get back to providing healthcare with a clear mind.
Several strong feelings can surface after a patient complaint, says Dr David Oldham, Medical Director of the Doctors Health Advisory Service WA.
“These include feelings of guilt if the doctor thinks they may have contributed to patient harm; feelings of shame if the doctor has been unprofessional; feelings of anger if the complaint appears vexatious; and feelings of embarrassment if the complaint is made public,” he says in an article on the AMA website.
Dr Oldham believes the number of notifications against doctors is on the rise given the ease with which a complaint can be lodged – an email or phone call to the Medical Board, a grievance on a doctor’s website or even a disgruntled post on social media.
“Most doctors I speak to are very concerned about how easily a malicious public complaint can be made against them.
“Even if the complaint turns out to be unfounded, a long-lasting stain can appear on the doctor’s reputation.
“All the doctors I have met worry about complaints, often lose sleep and sometimes become quite depressed. Some even cease practice, or change practice as a result.”
Doctors in the need of emotional support can contact one of the following organisations:
Suicide Callback Service: 1300 659 467
List of support services compiled by the Royal Australian College of Physicians
This publication is general in nature and is not comprehensive or constitute legal or medical advice. You should seek legal, medical or other professional advice before relying on any content, and practice proper clinical decision making with regard to individual circumstances. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in this publication must exercise their own independent skill or judgment or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular practice. Compliance with any recommendations will not in any way guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional or practice. Tego Insurance Pty Ltd is not responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of this information.