Table 2 Knowledge and gaps in the literature on mental health of physicians in North America
Current focus in the literature | Gaps identified |
|---|---|
We have a solid knowledge on mental health status of practicing physicians | We need to learn more about the role curricula and program changes have on medical students’ and medical residents’ mental health |
Most empirical research focuses on a particular medical specialty | We need more research on the mental health status of physicians across different specialties |
A substantial amount of literature deals with burnout | More research is needed on common mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety and other conditions that can be perceived as more stigmatizing |
Some studies identify the link between gender and mental health concerns in physicians | We need more intersectional analyses, including interactions of medical practice with gender, ethnicity, age, and sexual orientation |
Most of the existing empirical research is cross-sectional | We need more longitudinal studies |
Literature proposes a variety of programs and interventions to improve mental wellbeing among physicians | We need more research aimed to test the effectiveness of the proposed programs and interventions |
We know about the impact that mental health concerns have on physicians’ personal and professional life | More research is needed to explore how physicians’ mental wellbeing can enhance quality of care provided to patients |