Expert Warns Against Bullying, Burnout Among Medical Practitioners

 

 

Prof Alfred Makanjuola, of the Department of Behavioural Sciences of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) has postulated consequences of bullying and burnout among medical practitioners

Makanjuola who stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during his paper presentation at 40th Annual General Meeting/Sir Aderibigbe Scientific Conference of the Association of Resident Doctors, (ARD-UITH) with the theme entitled: ” Multidimensional Implications of Bullying And Burnout among Medical Practitioners in Nigeria” said bullying and burnout can pose psychological stress, low performance and low comfidence, among others.

The Consultant psychiatrist noted that workplace bullying and burnout are two conditions commonly faced, most especially by medical students and medical practitioners undergoing their residency.

The expert described bullying as the ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationship through repeated verbal, physical and social behaviour that can cause social and psychological harm.

“It repeatedly done overtime to humiliate or undermine a group of workers,” he said.

According to him, those who face bullying are systematically exposed to humiliation, hostile and aggressive behaviour for at least once a week or six month.

He noted that doctors who are bullied perceive to see themselves at the receiving end.

Makanjuola, who said bullying includes belittling, insults, threat, physical abuse, gossips and spreading rumours, among others, observed that bullying can precipitate burnout and stress among medical practitioners.

He also submitted that it can lead to feeling of energy depletion, low personal accomplishment and increased mental distancing.

He advised government and relevant stakholders to evolve comprehensive mental healthcare system.

“There is need for training support and welfare for staff and need for institutionalization of mentoring system,” he said.

Makanjuola called for conflict de-escalation/resolution skills and mechanism and early identification of work bullying and burnout.

Similarly in her presentation, Prof Aishat Bolakale, a Consultant Paediatrician of the Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin lamented on the increase in the rate of assault on healthcare workers in Nigeria.

Bolakale spoke on Sub-theme: “The Looming Increase in the Rate of Assault on the Health Workers; The Role of Government”.

She identified factors such as rising workloads, demanding work pressure and deteriorating interpersonal relationship as factors leading to assault on health care providers.

The paediatrician advise on practical approach including education, awareness, identifying high risk patient and circulating security alert numbers as critical in stemming tide of assault on healthcare workers.

Speaking earlier, Dr Mubarak Ijaiya, the President of ARD-UITH stated that the theme of the conference are apt, as they are issues and challenges healthcare providers encounter during thier daily clinical activities.

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