Document Type
Presentation
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Publication Date
6-28-2024
Abstract
Physician mental well-being is a significant public health concern. Physicians, medical residents, and medical students face higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicide compared to the general population, yet gaps persist in our understanding of the factors contributing to physician suicide. This modified scoping review aims to uncover common themes contributing to suicide risk among physicians by emphasizing the significance of personal narratives in understanding their lived experiences. A systematic search was conducted in four databases to identify personal narratives in which authors share either a firsthand or secondhand account of suicide by a physician. Due to the type of articles being sought, some articles were obtained through citation chasing as well as some form scholarly webpages. Articles were screened and assessed for eligibility. A thematic analysis was conducted from the 29 eligible studies to identify recurring themes contributing to suicidal thoughts and actions among physicians in the United States. Key themes from our analysis include stigma surrounding mental health specific to the medical community, the taxing nature of the physician’s profession, previous traumatic experiences, a history of mental illness and/or substance use, and fear of professional repercussions. These narratives shed light on the unique pressures experienced by physicians, contributing to a deeper understanding of the intricacies of physician suicide risk. In conclusion, this modified scoping review highlights the need for extensive and holistic interventions to address physician suicide for physicians at all levels of training. By addressing the various systemic barriers and fostering a culture of support, healing, and transparency, we can work towards protecting the mental well-being and welfare of physicians.
Lay Summary
The mental health of doctors, medical residents, and medical students is a pressing public health concern. Doctors experience higher rates of depression and are more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. This research investigates what factors contribute to the high suicide rates seen among doctors by assessing personal stories to provide perspective into their lived experiences. A search across several databases and scientific journals was conducted to collect narratives written directly by the doctors or by other individuals familiar with their experience related to suicide. After sorting through the articles to determine which were relevant to this research, 29 articles were selected. These final 29 articles were analyzed by the authors, who searched for common themes across the personal stories. The findings of this analysis revealed a total of four common themes related to physician suicide: stigma surrounding mental health specific to the medical community, the taxing nature of the physician’s profession, previous traumatic experiences, and history of mental illness and/or substance misuse. These personal stories provide a clearer picture of what pressures doctors face and provide insight into what factors contribute to the issue of physician suicide. This research supports the idea that a more supportive environment is needed for doctors at all levels of training so that they feel safe speaking about their mental health and safe to get the help they may want or need.
Recommended Citation
Tate, Candice, "Understanding Physician Suicide: A Modified Scoping Review of Personal Narratives" (2024). Master of Public Health Capstone Presentations. Presentation 568.
https://jdc.jefferson.edu/mphcapstone_presentation/568
Language
English
Comments
Presentation: 6:47
Poster attached as supplemental file below