Management of stress in doctors in their first postgraduate year
Caoimhe Glancy1,2, Therese O Carroll3, Brian O Ruairc4
1Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. glancyc@tcd.ie.
Background:
Interns represent their own unique cohort and phenomena relating to burnout, and stress levels.
Aims:
This paper aims to evaluate an online teaching unit, designed to facilitate transition from medical student to doctor.
Methods:
The study evaluated an interactive eLearning unit on "Intern Stress Management," embedded in the University College Dublin Intern Network and supplemented with face-to-face workshops at two Dublin hospitals. The unit, combined case studies, reflective exercises, and interactive elements, while workshops discussed stress, self-care and launched the unit. A mixed-methods approach using pre- and post-intervention surveys (PSS-10, self-rated health, and free text responses) assessed effectiveness.
Results:
Across six months, 90 questionnaires showed significant reduction in mean PSS-10 scores (19.09 to 15.93; p = 0.009). Objective and subjective measures indicated reduced high stress, though many interns shifted toward moderate stress. Despite positive health ratings, self-stigma remained high.
Conclusion:
The unit effectively reduced stress, and national rollout may benefit interns, supporting their transition to medical practice.
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