Huge workload and constant pressure to make quick and critical decisions can lead to increasing poor performance, exhaustion, compassion fatigue, work-life imbalance, stress, burnout, mental and physical ill-health among healthcare professionals.

Burnout has been found to occur mostly amongst the caring professions. It is typically associated with the prolonged and cumulative effects of emotional stress and pressure that arise from personal interaction with members of the public on a daily basis.

In a recent survey doctors were found to be at greater risk of burnout, stress and mental health issues than the general public. (Medscape Survey 2018) 

Mindfulness training has been shown to be effective in physical and emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety and burnout.

However, mindfulness is not a panacea. More needs to be done at organisational level to improve the working environment and wellbeing of healthcare professional.