Three integrated action areas
- Promotion
Promoting the positive aspects of being in the profession as well as the importance of self-care in the role of doctor. Promoting research. - Prevention
Advocating to reduce profession-related risk factors for health and wellbeing. - Support
Providing effective and accessible services and resources to support doctors’ at each stage of their careers.
Four key principles
There are four key principles that will guide the implementation of all health and wellbeing actions in alignment with this framework.
- A collaborative approach and a willingness to respond:
Reflecting the collective effort considered essential to achieve the overarching intent including; joint strategies with fellows, SIMGs, trainees and staff, and, partnership with employers, other colleges, societies and agencies. From the importance of self-care to leading cultural change, we are all part of shifting the professional paradigm to one that considers the health and wellbeing of our doctors a priority. - Risk and protective strategies
Reflecting our ability to promote evidence-based strategies through education, policies and other areas of influence in employer organisations. - A respectful, positive approach to creating a safe and supportive culture
Reflecting our ability to provide leadership and advocacy in the profession, supporting a culture which positively embraces the importance of health, safety and wellbeing of doctors. - An accessible, integrated approach
Reflecting our ability to provide integrated strategies that consider work environment, home and personal life, and the potential stigma associated with seeking help. ANZCA’s commitment is to take a pro-active approach in supporting access to resources, training, support services (ANZCA and other).
ANZCA'S role
The following descriptions intend to support shared clarity around ANZCA’s role in doctors’ health and wellbeing.
Education
ANZCA to incorporate health and wellbeing learning across the lifecycle stages including: professional standards, curricula, CPD and learning resources shared with members and broader partners.
Leadership
ANZCA to actively engage with our fellows, trainees and SIMGs to support the shift in paradigm to a healthful anaesthesia and pain medicine workforce through:
- De-stigmatisation.
- The importance of self-care.
- An evidence-based, risk-management approach.
- Advocate for changes required in legislation and in workplaces.
Standards and accreditation
ANZCA to ensure consistent, clear and achievable health and wellbeing standards are effectively encouraged and monitored through accreditation processes and systems.
Explore this section
We support a number of services and initiatives which are underpinned by our commitment outlined in our Doctors' Health and Wellbeing Framework.
As part of our ongoing support for our fellows, trainees, and SIMGs, ANZCA has engaged the professional services of Converge International – a confidential and independent counselling and coaching program.
Our Critical Incident Debriefing Toolkit provides a comprehensive, evidence-based resource on what are critical incidents, how to provide support and a hot debrief following a critical incident. It can be read in sections or as a whole.
We have developed a directory of doctors' health advisory services and helplines in Australia and New Zealand.
ANZCA considers bullying, discrimination and harassment unacceptable behaviour that will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Fellows and trainees acting as college representatives are responsible for ensuring an environment free of this behaviour.
The TWPG helps to provide trainees with tangible and practical outcomes to support their wellbeing and their engagement with the college.
Wellbeing advocates are recommended for all ANZCA and FPM accredited hospitals.
Find out what else we're doing to improve doctors' health and wellbeing.
This toolkit is a resource to support anaesthesia departments and individual anaesthetists to operationalise a framework they can put into action.
The aim of the Wellbeing SIG is to promote personal wellbeing and to heighten awareness of wellbeing issues in anaesthetists and pain medicine specialists. The group is an informative, educative and referral group; it has no therapeutic role.