GP Wellbeing
GP Wellbeing
Support for GPs during this challenging time, including wellbeing, resilience and mental health resources.
In collaboration with RCGP NHS England have developed an individual coaching service to provide support to all clinical and non-clinical primary care staff through video link or telephone with experienced coaches. Colleagues are facing unprecedented challenges so this is an opportunity to process difficult experiences and developing coping skills.
Article by Tim Senior on BJGP.
BJGP articles including: what is resilience, GP survival, tea and empathy and how to get GPs moving.
E-learning page available to members along with related articles on this topic.
BJGP articles on this topic.
Articles from the BMA, Narcotics Anonymous and the Sick Doctors Trust on the topic of assessing your own wellbeing.
Articles from the BMJ, Foundation for Positive Mental Health, GMC, NHS, PHP and Royal Medical Benevolent Fund on general strategies to promote GP wellbeing.
Resources from our membersDeveloped by Dr Nicola Harker, a GP in Bristol, this course has been designed to take at your own pace, from your own home. This training is accredited for CPD, and includes simple but powerful techniques to help you support yourself when under stress. Use the special limited code for free access WELL2
The Workwell Doctors notecard COVID series
A toolbox of notecards, designed to help doctors through the range of emotions and lifestyle changes they may be experiencing at this time including: anxiety, change, connection, exercise. Guilt, frustration, moral injury, nutrition, sleep and uncertainty.
All the workwell notecards [PDF]
Exercise videos that can be done in the workplace, including zumba and desk yoga.
External resourcesHelping GPs with mental health conditions, or substance misuse. To sign up, call 0300 0303 300 or email prac.health@nhs.net. The line is open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and Saturday 8am to 2pm. Text NHSPH to 85258 for the out-of-hours crisis text service.
How to manage our stress and anxiety through this crisis with Dr Caroline Walker and Dr Rachel Morris
A free online resource, specifically for GPs & their staff to turn to for mindfulness practices.
A day by day account of Coronavirus symptoms written by Dr Mark Rickenbach, a GP who tested positive for COVID-19.
Information provided by the Wessex LMC.
BMJ article including measures that healthcare managers need to put in place to protect the mental health of healthcare staff having to make morally challenging decisions.
In this new world, tips for remote working at home as a GP or part of the primary care team.
A CPD module by the RCGP.
External resourcesWorking in health and social care during a coronavirus epidemic.
Information provided by the Wessex LMC.
The WHO provide the benefits of occupational health.
Professional Support and Well-being Service.
Well used by the NHS, this first three weeks are free. Try mindfulness for 15 or so minutes a day.
Produced by the Intensive Care Society
A digital CBT programme.
Online RCGP wellbeing events can be found on a dedicated web page.
Find links to the LMC in your locality, this is not an exhaustive list:
GP Wellbeing in Northern Ireland [PDF]Useful links for available services for GPs working in Northern Ireland.
- Hear personal perspectives in member's vlogs
- Read insights in our blogs
- Listen to our latest podcasts and perspectives
- Join the conversation using #RCGPTogether on Instagram and Twitter
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Find related articles at the BJGP Life blog
'As I look around, I'm inspired by what I see'. Wellbeing Chair Mike Holmes shares his thoughts on teamwork and taking care of yourself during Covid-19.
— TeamGP (@TeamGP) April 7, 2020
Find more support on our new wellbeing hub here https://t.co/SxAG1W61qd#RCGPTogether #TeamGPhttps://t.co/vsWlusabvJ
This BMJ blog discusses this period of increased stress and uncertainty and how it is more important than ever for NHS staff to look after themselves.
The academy for Medical Royal Colleges have written about the challenges at this time
This WHO guidance covers different population groups relating to their psychosocial needs.
A patient flyer created by the WHO.
Produced by MIND.
A range of advice and guidance from Carers UK.
Sources of Support and Advice for disabled doctors.
BMA guidance
A personal account, provided by the BMA.
Listen to a series of mental wellbeing audio guides to help boost your mood.
Anyone who engages empathetically with survivors of traumatic incidents, torture, and material relating to their trauma, is potentially affected, including doctors and other health professionals. Signs and strategies are provided.
- Medical Protection Society
Members of Medical Protection society can access 6 free sessions of counselling. Delivered by experienced qualified counsellors at ICAS, these telephone counselling sessions provide immediate access to support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and face-to-face counselling sessions can be arranged near to you and at your convenience, all funded by Medical Protection. The service is entirely independent and confidential. Call ICAS now on 0808 189 4385 or +44 3300 241 021 from overseas and quote your Medical Protection membership number to book a free session.
We endeavour to keep all resources up to date through regular review to assess relevance and accuracy. To raise any issues please contact e-learning@rcgp.org.uk