BPS responds to new GP compassion fatigue data

The Guardian has reported that seven in ten GPs suffer from compassion fatigue and struggle to empathise with patients because they are worn out from caring for them. The report is based on a new survey from the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland.

Responding to the news, President of the British Psychological Society, Dr Roman Raczka said: 

It is incredibly upsetting, but sadly not surprising, that increasing numbers of family doctors are struggling with compassion fatigue (Seven in 10 GPs in UK suffer from compassion fatigue, survey finds).

You can only have an NHS that is "fit for the future" if you have a well workforce. While the government's aspirations to reduce waiting lists and meet the 18-week target from referral to treatment is welcome, this will be difficult to achieve while more and more healthcare staff struggle with their mental health and wellbeing, with many citing burnout.

Equally worrying is the increased feeling of helplessness and moral distress that GPs are suffering from, due to the circumstances facing their patients which they can't control, such as poor housing and the cost of living. It risks becoming a perfect storm. 

For the past two years the British Psychological Society has been campaigning for government investment in psychologically-led mental health and wellbeing services for all healthcare professionals. Coupled with this, we need to see wider investment in the NHS and a focus on prevention to reduce workloads. Only then will we be able improve the health and wellbeing of those who care for us when we are most in need. Staff are the lifeblood of the NHS, and they need our support.