2014 Volume 25 Issue 4 Pages 141-151
Psychological conditions of physicians before, during, and after doctor ambulance (DA) and doctor helicopter (DH) operations were investigated. A questionnaire survey was conducted with physicians involved in DA/DH operations. The number of valid responses was 283 (a valid response rate of 73%). The survey inquired physicians about their feelings and actions before, during, and after operations. Furthermore, their mental health was measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Results indicated that physicians had a sense of duty for their job. However, physicians also felt anxious before and during operations, because they did not have sufficient information and were unsure of their ability to deal with the situation and the patient. After the operation, they shared their experiences and feelings with their colleagues. The GHQ indicated that 24.4% of the participants were at high risks of mental health problems. Those at high risks felt anxiety before the operation, because the situation might go beyond their abilities, and because they might get criticized. During the operation, they experienced negative feelings, such as anger and a sense of helplessness. It was indicated that some physicians involved in DA/DH operations felt a mental burden and were in an unhealthy mental conditions. Based on the above results, it is suggested that development of organized support systems are needed for physicians in DA/DH operations, including pre-education and training focusing on their anxieties and fears during operations, as well as measures to deal with them.
