Management of stress in doctors in their first postgraduate year.

BACKGROUND

Interns represent their own unique cohort and phenomena relating to burnout, and stress levels.

AIMS: This paper aims to evaluate an online teaching unit, designed to facilitate transition from medical student to doctor.

METHODS

The study evaluated an interactive eLearning unit on "Intern Stress Management," embedded in the University College Dublin Intern Network and supplemented with face-to-face workshops at two Dublin hospitals. The unit, combined case studies, reflective exercises, and interactive elements, while workshops discussed stress, self-care and launched the unit. A mixed-methods approach using pre- and post-intervention surveys (PSS-10, self-rated health, and free text responses) assessed effectiveness.

RESULTS

Across six months, 90 questionnaires showed significant reduction in mean PSS-10 scores (19.09 to 15.93; p = 0.009). Objective and subjective measures indicated reduced high stress, though many interns shifted toward moderate stress. Despite positive health ratings, self-stigma remained high.

CONCLUSION

The unit effectively reduced stress, and national rollout may benefit interns, supporting their transition to medical practice.