Burnout and sources of stress among medical residents at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar

This study aimed to describe the experiences of stress and burnout and sociodemographic factors associated with dimensions of stress among medical residents at Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar. Medical residents participating in a stress management course were asked to complete an anonymous survey. The survey included demographic questions, the Abbreviated Maslach Inventory, and 4 open-ended questions on experiences with stress. Of the 150 residents participating in the stress management course, 142 responded to the survey, listing an average of 2.2 types of stressors, with workload and workplace relationships as the most frequent. They listed an average of 3.1 coping strategies, most frequently seeking out social support and entertainment. Responses indicated low depersonalization, high personal accomplishment, high satisfaction with medicine and high emotional exhaustion. Training to improve coping and reduce burnout is recommended

Improving influenza vaccination rates of healthcare workers: a multipronged approach in Qatar

We assessed whether an influenza vaccination [IV] campaign was effective at increasing vaccination rate in healthcare workers [HCWs] in 2 hospitals in Doha, Qatar that had no mandatory IV policy. The campaign comprised promotional, educational and vaccine delivery interventions; a dedicated IV team; telephone hotline; free IV with improved access, leadership involvement; incentives; group educational sessions; and reporting/tracking activities. During the 2014/15 influenza season, IV rates according to hospital and HCW category were calculated and compared with the 2 seasons before the intervention. The combined mean rate for IV for both hospitals increased for 2014/15 [64.3%] compared with 2013/14 [37.2%] and 2012/13 [28.4%]. There was increased IV uptake among doctors and nurses at each hospital, and the IV rate for the 2 hospitals [59.1 and 69.5%] were higher than in 2013/14 [21.1% and 53.2%] and 2012/13 [17.2% and 39.6%]. The findings highlight the importance of improving IV rates among HCWs in hospitals with no mandatory vaccination policies through multicomponent interventions