In light of the frequent assaults on doctors, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors will hold a series of sessions for doctors starting next week, which will be conducted by senior psychiatrists covering a variety of topics.
Speaking about the rising instances of attacks on resident doctors by relatives of patients in the past few weeks, Dr Sagar Mundada, president, central MARD, said there was an acute need for counselling sessions for resident doctors as the aggression against them was on the rise.
“Relatives tend to become aggressive when their patient fails to get immediate attention or the treatment they think is required is not given.
However, residents are stretched to the limit and can become irritable and in such a frame of mind their responses to relatives seem to be harsh, rude and even careless,” said Dr Mundada.
Some of the topics that will be covered in these sessions are ‘Doctor-Patient relationships,’ ‘How to break bad news to patients and relatives,’ ‘How resident doctors should manage time so they can counsel patients despite being grossly overworked,’ etc.
Dr Mundada said the sessions by senior psychiatrists was aimed at reducing errors on the part of the residents and to make them better prepared to face patients and relatives in any situation.
“We are hoping that these sessions will give the residents some tricks to avoid confrontations and save themselves from aggression and physical abuse,” said Dr Mundada.
A former MARD member said the “inhuman conditions” in which residents are expected to work coupled with pressure to do well in their studies frustrates them and at times also makes them snap at relatives.
“The reaction of residents is due to sleep deprivation, lack of proper meals and even bad accommodation,” said the doctor.
