Introduction

In February 2013 beyondblue conducted the landmark beyondblue National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students. The survey is a world-first and offers an unprecedented insight into the mental health of Australia’s doctors and medical students, and the best ways to support them.

Method

The survey questionnaire and methodology were guided by input from a Project Advisory Group, comprising leading expert in doctors’ mental health. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency sent out the anonymous survey questionnaire to approximately 50,000 doctors and medical students using a sampling frame based on their geographic location. Roy Morgan Research collected and analysed data.

Results

Over 14,000 Australian doctors and medical students participated in the survey. The results will be launched by beyondblue on 8 October. The results will identify:

·         the prevalence of mental health conditions, substance use, suicidal thinking, burnout across the profession  and within specific cohorts

·         key stressors and risk factors for mental health conditions

·         the extent to which doctors and medical students seek support and treatment, and barriers to doing this

·         the level of stigma associated with mental health conditions

·         the impact of mental health conditions.

Conclusions

The findings of the survey will have implications for the medical profession, and their health professional colleagues who may experience similar challenges. By highlighting the extent to which mental health conditions are an issue and the willingness of doctors and medical students to seek treatment and support, the findings will generate considerable debate regarding the practical actions needed to better support doctors and other health professionals.