Resident Mental Health Care: a Timely and Necessary Resource

Abstract

Objective: Residency training is associated with stress and burnout that can contribute to poor mental health, yet many residents do not get the help needed. While some healthcare institutions provide mental health services specifically for residents, literature has documented few examples. The objective of this study was to investigate the utilization and patient characteristics of a resident mental health program.

Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective records analysis of residents who utilized outpatient mental health services through the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Emotional Health and Wellness Program for House Staff from 2010 to 2018.

Results: A total of 158 resident patient charts were reviewed. Utilization was highest for females, first years, and general internal medicine residents. Initial help-seeking was most common for summer, winter, and intern year. The most frequent diagnoses were adjustment, depressive, and anxiety disorders. Of residents who completed screening tools, 43% screened positive for moderate to severe depression, 11% screened positive for hazardous alcohol consumption, and 15% endorsed thoughts of death or suicide.

Conclusions: Resident physicians manifest psychiatric symptoms, mental disorders, and suicidal ideation that require treatment and intervention. Yet, a minority of residents make use of services. This data emphasizes the need to promote help-seeking behaviors among residents and ensure timely access to comprehensive mental health services.

Keywords: Resident mental health; Resident well-being.