MPS Foundation funds vital research into health and wellbeing of private clinicians

The MPS Foundation – a global not-for-profit research initiative that invests in research into patient safety and the wellbeing of healthcare professionals and teams – is funding research that will identify and manage work-related risks to mental health and wellbeing specifically for clinicians working in private practice.

The “Thrive at Work” research project, led by Affinity Health at Work, will conduct in-depth interviews with clinicians working in the private sector to understand the work-related risks to mental health and wellbeing and strategies used to address these.

A survey will also be conducted, based on the priorities identified in the interviews, established measures of the work environment, health and wellbeing outcomes and self-related performance outcomes. Questions will also consider awareness and acceptability of strategies and interventions to support mental health at work.

The research will result in the development of a range of resources and interventions, including downloadable guidance and a short-form videos, to support clinicians in identifying work-related risks and taking preventative and supportive action.

Professor Jo Yarker, Managing Partner at Affinity Health at Work, said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of our research into mental health and wellbeing in private practice, supported by the MPS Foundation.

“Given the growing number of people using private healthcare due to long NHS waiting lists, private practitioners are under increased pressure and the need to support and protect their wellbeing has never been greater.

“Research into the wellbeing of healthcare professionals is often focused on the public sector, and does not capture the nuances of working in the private sector – for example, running a profitable business, different governance structures and different patient demands when delivering a paid-for service. Private settings are also typically smaller than their public counterparts, and may have fewer support services available to clinicians.

“Our project aims to identify aspects of the work environment that are considered most stressful, and target interventions and resources that help clinicians understand their personal work-related risks and develop skills to manage these risks. This will ultimately support their mental health and help healthcare professionals thrive in their work.”

Medical Protection Society (MPS) launched the MPS Foundation in 2022. Now in its third year, it has already supported over 30 research projects from across the world.

It is now inviting applications for its 2024 grant programme. Applicants can register their interest and apply by visiting www.thempsfoundation.org and entering their details via the online grant portal. Calls for expressions of interest close on 3 May 2024.

Clinicians working in private practice who would like to take part in the Affinity Health at Work project, via an interview or survey, can register their interest at: www.affinityhealthatwork.com/current-studies/1759

End

For further information email [email protected]

About The MPS Foundation

The MPS Foundation is a global, not-for-profit research initiative that aims to shape the future of patient safety by investing in research, analysis, education, and training. The MPS Foundation is part of Medical Protection Society (MPS) - the world’s leading protection organisation supporting more than 300,000 doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals around the world.

About Affinity Health at Work

Affinity Health at Work was founded in 2006 to bring together cutting edge research with practical, real-world approaches for work, health and wellbeing. Our mission is to improve the working lives of all. Working together to promote productive, healthy working lives.

About MPS

The Medical Protection Society Limited (“MPS”) is the world’s leading protection organisation for doctors, dentists and healthcare professionals. We protect and support the professional interests of more than 300,000 members around the world. Membership provides access to expert advice and support and can also provide, depending on the type of membership required, the right to request indemnity for any complaints or claims arising from professional practice.

Our in-house experts assist with the wide range of legal and ethical problems that arise from professional practice. This can include clinical negligence claims, complaints, medical and dental council inquiries, legal and ethical dilemmas, disciplinary procedures, inquests and fatal accident inquiries.

Our philosophy is to support safe practice in medicine and dentistry by helping to avert problems in the first place. We do this by promoting risk management through our workshops, E-learning, clinical risk assessments, publications, conferences, lectures and presentations.

MPS is not an insurance company. All the benefits of membership of MPS are discretionary as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.