Article Text
Abstract
Junior doctor wellbeing is essential for both staff and patients. However, due to the rotational nature of junior doctor work, they can have difficulty accessing wellbeing services. Although there have been numerous campaigns and research into this topic, there is no standardised auditable list of requirements incorporating expectations trainees should have from employers.
We aim, through introduction of The BMA Wellbeing Checklist, to audit and standardise wellbeing support available to junior doctors across the UK and increase accountability and support at trusts where wellbeing of junior doctors is at risk.
A working group was established to review existing literature, engage with stakeholders and design a standardised checklist of wellbeing services available to junior doctors.
The BMA Wellbeing Checklist was circulated across trusts in the UK and published on the BMA website, BMA representatives were encouraged to discuss this with management teams. There is the aim to audit in the future.
There is poor understanding of services that should be available to trainees nationally. A proactive, rather than reactive approach to wellbeing, would better inform and support junior doctors in accessing services and ensuring they are provided by employers.