Suicidal ideation among family practice residents at the University of British Columbia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and burnout among family practice residents at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and to compare the identified rates with those found in other studies.
DESIGN: Web-based survey.
SETTING: University of British Columbia in Vancouver. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 235 family practice residents from UBC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Web-based survey included an evaluation of suicide risk with questions adapted from the Meehan Inventory, and an evaluation of burnout with the Maslach Burnout Inventory. A univariate descriptive analysis and a bivariate analysis were used to define the prevalence of suicidal ideation and burnout, as well as relationships with demographic variables.
RESULTS: In the fall of 2010, among the 109 survey respondents (46.4% response rate), the rate of suicidal ideation during family practice residency was 33.3%, the rate of suicidal ideation with a plan during residency was 18.1%, and the rate of suicide attempt during residency was 2.9%. The prevalence of burnout during residency was identified in 73.5% of respondents and was represented by a perceived lack of personal accomplishment. The identified prevalence of suicidal ideation was considerably higher than in other studies, and the identified prevalence of burnout was comparable to similar studies.
CONCLUSION: This study identified a high rate of suicidal ideation and burnout among Canadian family medicine residents at UBC. Further research is needed to improve suicide prevention, as well as identification and support of residents in distress. Copyright© the College of Family Physicians of Canada.