Overview
Allegations, complaints and investigations form an inevitable part of a doctor’s career. The investigation processes can last several months or in some cases, years. This is a traumatic experience for the doctor and the distress affects their mental health and their engagement in their profession, with some leaving medicine all together or retiring early. Those who survive this experience often end up feeling very bruised and maltreated. This applies to the investigations at GMC level, as well as, at organisational level.
RCPsych Psychotherapy Faculty is leading a work-stream to support doctors under investigation. As part of this work, a survey was sent out to all non-trainee members of RCPsych, which received an overwhelming response. Those surveyed outlined the significant psychological impact of the investigations, the impact of race, power and organisational politics on investigation processes, as well as helpful suggestions to support the wellbeing of doctors affected by investigations.
This masterclass will start with presentation of the findings from this important survey, followed by the personal perspectives of a doctor and a manager regarding the investigation processes, followed by a 'survival guide' (suggestions and recommendations at individual, organisational and College/GMC level to support the wellbeing of doctors under investigations).
Objectives
- Understand the conscious and unconscious factors underlying the investigations against doctors including the psychological impact on the doctors.
- Understand the current 'gaps' in the investigation processes and the support available for the doctor.
- Understand what helpful actions (at individual, organisational and College/GMC level) could help the doctors to survive and thrive during and after these traumatic processes.
Speakers
Chair: Dr Swapna Kongara, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London
Dr Rachel Gibbons, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London
Dr Swapna Kongara, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London
Dr Ananta Dave, Black Country Integrated Care Board, Wolverhampton
