Coping with GP workload

The ever-increasing workload of General Practice appears to be at a tipping point.  The reality of being a GP in today's NHS has been honestly and eloquently exposed this week in a brilliant blog by GP Dr Zoe Norris in the Huffington Post. It's clear from the response to this on our Facebook Page that this is a real Hot Topic for GPs in the UK.

What needs to change to improve things is a whole other subject, but in the meantime how to cope in the face of such demand? Of course, there is no 'keep it simple' answer for a question so big and complex, but we can offer some simple advice based on experience. None of this is rocket science, but when under pressure we can lose sight of the simple things.

• We need to be pragmatic and accept the reality of what we can achieve given the system that we have been given to work with. We need to become better at being 'good enough' and saying 'no'.  Like most things in life, it get's easier with practise! 
• We need to look after ourselves, remembering the advice to attach the oxygen mask on the aeroplane to yourself before your children. Making sure that you do have the time for your exercise, yoga, dog, cinema, meditation or whatever keeps you healthy is crucial. Saying 'I have no time' is not an excuse, it's a recipe for depression.
• We need to be tuned into how you are really feeling. This is the single most useful thing that I learnt from my experience of having depression. Are you really coping? If you are breaking down in tears at work, not sleeping, self-medicating with alcohol or drugs or getting unreasonably irritated with patients and colleagues I would argue not. 'Know thyself'...and be honest with yourself, just as you are with patients. Doing a Beck depression score can be illuminating. 
• We need to share. Given that we spend our whole day talking to people, it's surprising that being a GP can be such a lonely job. Sharing is not easy and exposing our fallibility is scary. But, it definitely helps. So, talk talk talk with friends, colleagues and spouses/partners. Social media has, of course, problems but it is a way of being part of a wider group of GPs who feel exactly the same way you do. Join in the conversation. And if your Beck score does show you're depressed, share it with your spouse/partner/friend and DO go to see your own GP. She/he is very busy, but she/he will understand how you are feeling better than anyone and be delighted to help you. Just as you would for them...
• Finally, have this playing on repeat in the waiting room! Choosing Wisely

We're in it together. Keep well,

Simon