Mental Health Crisis In Pakistan’s Medical Community
Abstract
This research looks at the current mental health crisis that is happening among physicians in Pakistan and shows how three types of factors i.e. institutional, occupational and socio-cultural, together influence and affect the psychological wellbeing of the medical profession. This is done using a mixed methods approach along with a comprehensive review of the literature on these issues. The most significant results of the research are that high levels of stress, burnout, anxiety and depression among physicians in Pakistan are directly linked to inefficiencies and limitations of the healthcare system along with the persistent presence of cultural barriers.
The characteristics that define Pakistan's healthcare infrastructure are limited funding, inadequate staffing, high patient-to-physician ratios and overcrowded facilities that exert intense and extreme stress on physicians. The excessive length of time physicians work each week, the number of patients seen during each work shift and the amount of time spent on non-physician duties contribute to the extreme level of emotional exhaustion experienced by physicians; therefore, limiting their feelings of professional fulfilment. Other structural obstacles that exacerbate these issues include: township-based violence against physicians; the lack of an institutional support system; and insufficient access to mental health services in healthcare organizations.
The research revealed the importance of understanding that physician burnout is not only a personal issue, but also a systemic issue with systemic roots embedded within organisational and policy structures in Pakistan. Most hospitals in Pakistan provide no formal ways for doctors to obtain support for their well-being. In addition, a hierarchical culture of work prevents open discussions about mental health within the workplace. Physicians are therefore continuing to work while under extreme psychological distress, whereas some physicians do seek assistance.
The socio-cultural context also plays a major role in aggravating the physician burnout crisis. There is a stigma associated with mental health which makes doctors less likely to seek psychological assistance for fear of being perceived negatively by their peers, as well as a fear of loss of reputation due to the associated stigma. Female doctors are also disproportionately affected by socio-cultural issues due to the pressure they experience as a result of having to fulfil both demanding professional responsibilities, and societal expectations of them as caregivers to their families.
The research further revealed the problems that physicians have with their own mental health can directly affect the quality of care received by patients. The psychological distress that physicians experience has been associated with decreased clinical efficiency, poor decisions, increased errors in providing care to patients, and decreased satisfaction of patients receiving care. Therefore, when the doctor improves his or her own well-being it is not only important for that individual but is also important for the strength of the overall healthcare system and continued safety of patients.
