Survey Highlights Compassion Fatigue Among UK Doctors

A recent survey highlighted in an article by Denis Campbell on The Guardian reveals that 71% of general practitioners (GPs) in the UK experience compassion fatigue, leading to difficulties in empathizing with their patients. The findings indicate that the emotional and physical exhaustion faced by family doctors is affecting the quality of care they provide.

According to the survey conducted by the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland (MDDUS), compassion fatigue—defined as a form of secondary trauma—has become a significant issue for healthcare professionals. Dr. John Holden, chief medical officer at MDDUS, explained: “Compassion fatigue is effectively a hidden, secondary trauma with symptoms that can ultimately make it extraordinarily difficult for family doctors to treat their patients.”

High Workloads and Prolonged Exposure to Trauma

The survey, which involved 1,855 doctors, found that 62% of medics overall and 71% of GPs reported experiencing compassion fatigue. Dr. Holden noted that GPs are particularly vulnerable due to their heavy workloads and prolonged exposure to patients’ suffering and trauma. He emphasized: “The extent of compassion fatigue being suffered across all doctors is shocking but the impact on GPs is markedly more pronounced.”

This emotional exhaustion has broader implications for healthcare delivery, with 44% of respondents expressing concerns that compassion fatigue could lead to unsafe care. Additionally, 77% of GPs reported that it negatively affected their ability to communicate with patients.

Mental Health Challenges Among Medical Professionals

The survey also shed light on the alarming mental health challenges faced by medical professionals. Among respondents, 21% had thought about self-harm or suicide, with 85% of GPs attributing these feelings to the demands of their jobs.

Dr. Latifa Patel, the British Medical Association’s workforce lead, described the findings as “incredibly upsetting but not surprising.” She stated: “Doctors’ wellbeing shouldn’t suffer from going to work, especially to such an extent that they’re self-harming or considering suicide. GPs are at breaking point, and burnout is felt throughout the profession.”

Impact of Abuse and Systemic Issues

In addition to emotional strain, GPs reported facing abuse from patients, with 84% experiencing verbal abuse and 24% encountering physical abuse in 2024. Long waits for care (79%) and complaints about care (51%) were cited as contributing factors to their distress.

Prof Clare Gerada, an expert on doctors’ mental health and founder of the charity Doctors in Distress, noted that compassion fatigue “can negatively impact performance, morale and staff retention.” She called for psychological support systems, stating that health professionals need “psychological personal protection” to manage the unrelenting demands of their jobs.

Structural Challenges and Future Reforms

The survey also highlighted systemic challenges in the NHS, particularly regarding proposed reforms. Two-thirds of GPs (66%) reported that their practices were “not at all prepared” for the government’s planned shift of healthcare from hospitals to community settings.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care responded, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting NHS staff. “The wellbeing of all those working in the NHS is vital,” they said, adding that steps are being taken to reduce workloads and improve mental health support services for practitioners.

## A Call for Action

The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to support the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals. As Prof Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, observed, GPs are also experiencing “moral distress” due to factors beyond their control, such as poor housing and long NHS waiting lists.

The article concludes with a reminder of available mental health resources, encouraging those in distress to seek help through helplines and support services.