Implementing an Interactive Self-screening Psychological Distress Tool for Residents and Fellows

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Physicians exhibit higher suicide rates compared to other professions, with suicide being a leading cause of death among resident physicians.
• Physicians experiencing mental health crises are less likely to seek or receive treatment than their non-physician counterparts.
• Physician distress often goes unaddressed due to stigma and lack of accessible resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a confidential, online, interactive screening program for resident and fellow physicians.
• To increase mental health awareness among physicians and facilitate early identification of psychological distress.
• To ultimately reduce the incidence of physician suicide and improve overall well-being.

Main Methods:

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Interactive Screening Program (ISP) was implemented across 155 graduate medical education programs.
• Trainees were invited to participate in the confidential online self-screening tool.
• Data were collected on program participation, distress levels, and engagement with personalized recommendations.

Main Results:

• Over two years, 200 out of 1900 (10.5%) residents and fellows completed the ISP self-screening.
• A significant majority (98.5%) of those who screened reported moderate to severe psychological distress.
• Most participants (80.5%) reviewed their personalized mental health recommendations.

Conclusions:

• The Interactive Screening Program (ISP) effectively identifies psychological distress in physicians.
• This tool can help bridge the gap in mental health treatment seeking among residents and fellows.
• Improving access to mental health resources is crucial for physician well-being and suicide prevention.