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June 2023 - Health

GMC survey reveals that two-thirds of trainee doctors are at risk of burnout: The 2023 National Training Survey has revealed that while 86% of junior doctors in training rate their clinical supervision highly, with 83% saying they have had a 'good' or 'very good' experience in their current post, 66% are at moderate or high risk of burnout, found the research.

The General Medical Council (GMC) survey polled more than 70,000 trainee and qualified doctors who act as trainers for its annual research, which asked questions about their training, including questions on the impact of the pandemic, workload and burnout. For the first time in the survey’s history, the 2023 National Training Survey also asked questions on discrimination, unfair treatment, stereotyping and confidence in reporting discriminatory or unprofessional behaviours. 

The research found that while most doctors in training feel like they work in an supportive environment, more than a quarter (27%) reported experiencing microaggressions in the workplace, with 28% revealing that they had heard negative comments, stereotyping or jokes relating to their own, or another person's protected characteristics (such as age, race, sex, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy/maternity).

These poor behaviours were found in some departments more than others including obstetrics, gynaecology, emergency medicine and surgery, where instances rose to a third of respondents, found the research. 

Furthermore, one in 10 trainee doctors reported feeling 'intentionally humiliated' in front of other people, while just over a fifth of respondents enrolled in the Foundation programme said they had been blamed for something that was not their fault (22%), compared to 10% enrolled on speciality or core programmes. 

Training doctors

When it comes to training, nine in 10 doctors said they enjoyed their training role (89%), however, workloads came in into focus once more, with a third of secondary care trainers (33%) and a quarter of GP trainers (24%) saying they were not always able to use the time allocated for training. It also found that more than half the trainers polled were also measured to be at risk of burnout (52%).

Professor Colin Melville, the GMC’s Medical Director and Director of Education and Standards said of the findings:

"Though it’s encouraging to see the majority of trainees report supportive workplaces, there are worrying findings which suggest doctors early in their careers are having a much more negative experience. Discrimination doesn’t just affect individuals, it impacts teamwork, communication and potentially patient safety."

"We know many organisations are already acting to address these important issues, but these findings should make clear to all healthcare professionals how poor behaviour adversely impacts others. It’s essential we create and encourage cultures where those who witness or experience discrimination are supported to speak up."

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