In a startling revelation, a new survey has found that seven out of every ten GPs in the UK are grappling with compassion fatigue. The report, conducted by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), sheds light on a hidden crisis plaguing the nation’s primary care providers.
The Hidden Toll of Compassion
Compassion fatigue, often referred to as “the cost of caring,” is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion stemming from the prolonged exposure to patients’ suffering and trauma. For GPs, who serve as the first line of care for countless individuals, this burden can be particularly heavy.
Compassion fatigue is effectively a hidden, secondary trauma with symptoms that can ultimately make it extraordinarily difficult for family doctors to treat their patients.
— Dr John Holden, Chief Medical Officer at MDDUS
The survey, which polled 1,855 doctors across the UK, found that a staggering 71% of GPs reported experiencing compassion fatigue. In comparison, 62% of medics overall indicated the same struggle. The disparity highlights the unique challenges faced by family doctors in their day-to-day practice.
The Ripple Effect on Patient Care
The impact of compassion fatigue extends far beyond the well-being of the doctors themselves. Nearly half (44%) of the survey participants expressed concern that their exhaustion could lead to unsafe care and an increased likelihood of facing complaints. Moreover, 64% of all medics and 77% of GPs admitted that compassion fatigue hindered their ability to communicate effectively with patients.
Compassion fatigue can negatively impact performance, morale and staff retention.
— Prof Clare Gerada, expert in mental health problems among doctors
A Cry for Help
The survey also unveiled alarming findings related to the mental health of medical professionals. One in five (21%) of the respondents admitted to having thought about self-harm or suicide at least once. Among GPs who had experienced suicidal feelings, a staggering 85% attributed it to the impact of their job.
Furthermore, the survey shed light on the prevalence of abuse faced by GPs. In 2024, 84% of family doctors reported experiencing verbal abuse, while 24% endured physical abuse from patients. Long waits for care (79%) and complaints about care (51%) were cited as the most common triggers for such incidents.
The findings are incredibly upsetting but not surprising. They point to the known mental health crisis among NHS staff. Doctors’ wellbeing shouldn’t suffer from going to work, especially to such an extent that they’re self-harming or considering suicide.
— Dr Latifa Patel, British Medical Association’s workforce lead
Navigating the Path Forward
As the NHS grapples with the challenge of reforming its systems, the survey results underscore the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of its frontline workers. Two-thirds of GPs (66%) indicated that their practices were “not at all prepared” for the strategic shift of healthcare from hospitals into the community, as proposed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting.
Experts are calling for immediate action to address the psychological toll on healthcare professionals. Prof Clare Gerada, founder of the charity Doctors in Distress, emphasizes the need for “psychological personal protection” – a safe space where doctors can openly discuss their experiences and support one another.
The wellbeing of all those working in the NHS is vital, and extensive coaching support and practitioner mental health services are available for all staff.
— Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson
The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the urgency of the situation, stating that measures are being taken to lessen the workload on GPs. These include cutting red tape, reducing outdated performance targets, and providing additional funding for mental health services. However, the question remains whether these steps will be sufficient to address the deep-rooted issue of compassion fatigue among the nation’s GPs.
As the UK navigates the path towards healthcare reform, it is imperative that the well-being of its medical professionals takes center stage. Only by addressing the hidden trauma of compassion fatigue can we ensure that both doctors and patients receive the care and support they deserve.
