Synopsis

In this clip you’ll observe a resident physician grappling with an overwhelming workload on a busy ward. The core of the scenario is a candid conversation between the resident and a colleague, in which the resident explains how the high patient volume and competing demands are affecting his ability to provide safe, timely care.

As you watch, focus on:

• The description of the workload – what tasks, patient numbers, or time pressures are highlighted.
• The communication dynamics – how the resident articulates his stress and how the colleague responds (offering support, suggestions, or simply listening).
• Problem‑solving cues – any strategies discussed for prioritising care, delegating tasks, or seeking additional resources.

Importance of Wellbeing

Self-care and wellbeing are essential for medical professionals, who often face demanding schedules, high workloads, and emotionally challenging situations. The responsibility of caring for others can place immense physical, mental, and emotional strain on healthcare providers, making intentional self-care strategies vital to sustain both personal health and professional effectiveness. By prioritising self-care, medical professionals can better manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain resilience in the face of ongoing pressures. Strategies such as regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness practices, and adequate rest support overall wellbeing and help protect against fatigue and compassion fatigue. Emotional support systems, including peer discussions and counselling, can also foster a sense of balance and reduce feelings of isolation. Wellbeing is not only important for the individual but also for the quality of care delivered to patients. Professionals who feel healthy, rested, and supported are more attentive, empathetic, and capable of making sound clinical decisions. Conversely, neglecting self-care can lead to errors, reduced job satisfaction, and a decline in patient outcomes. Ultimately, embedding self-care into daily routines allows medical professionals to sustain their passion for healthcare while ensuring they can continue to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to those who depend on them.

Discussion Points

• Self-care strategies – e.g. taking breaks, job delegation, shared responsibility, work life balance, managing stress
• Drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms
• Escalation of wellbeing concerns
• Burnout

External Resources

• Looking after your team’s health and wellbeing guide - NHS
• A mindful approach to physician self-care
• Self-Help and Wellbeing - Practitioner Health