Effects of organisational-level interventions on symptoms of depression and anxiety in medical doctors – A systematic review
1
Department of Community Health, Sefako Makgatho University of Health Sciences, Pretoria, South Africa
2
Health Policy & Research Unit, South African Medical Association, Pretoria, South Africa
3
Paediatric and Child Healthcare Association, Blantyre, Malawi
4
Department of Paediatric and Child Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2636
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Medical doctors experience disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety, largely driven by workplace stressors [1]. Organisational-level interventions may help address these challenges by targeting their root causes [2]. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of organisational-level interventions on symptoms of depression and anxiety in medical doctors and evaluate the strength of evidence supporting their effectiveness.
METHODS:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines [3], a two-stage literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science between 2014 and 2024, supplemented by citation chaining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, and assessed organisational-level interventions addressing depression and anxiety in medical doctors. Two independent reviewers performed eligibility screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (QATQS). Data synthesis combined narrative and quantitative analyses, with primary outcomes measured using validated tools.
RESULTS:
Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 4227 study participants. Most of the studies (14 out of 16) were conducted in high-income countries, with specialists comprising 70.6% of the participants. Fourteen studies were rated as strong or moderate in methodological quality. Five intervention categories were identified: mental health surveillance and monitoring, training and development, relational/team dynamics, flexible work/scheduling, and job/task modifications. Fewer than half (seven) of the studies reported statistically significant improvements in at least one primary outcome (depression or anxiety symptoms). The strength of evidence was insufficient across all intervention categories due to inconsistent findings.
CONCLUSIONS:
Organisational-level interventions, particularly training and development, show promise in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among medical doctors. However, the evidence remains inconsistent, with limited research in low-income and primary care settings. Further high-quality studies are needed to address knowledge gaps and inform effective, evidence-based strategies that support the mental wellbeing of medical professionals.
Medical doctors experience disproportionately high rates of depression and anxiety, largely driven by workplace stressors [1]. Organisational-level interventions may help address these challenges by targeting their root causes [2]. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of organisational-level interventions on symptoms of depression and anxiety in medical doctors and evaluate the strength of evidence supporting their effectiveness.
METHODS:
Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines [3], a two-stage literature search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science between 2014 and 2024, supplemented by citation chaining. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed, published in English, and assessed organisational-level interventions addressing depression and anxiety in medical doctors. Two independent reviewers performed eligibility screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies (QATQS). Data synthesis combined narrative and quantitative analyses, with primary outcomes measured using validated tools.
RESULTS:
Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, involving 4227 study participants. Most of the studies (14 out of 16) were conducted in high-income countries, with specialists comprising 70.6% of the participants. Fourteen studies were rated as strong or moderate in methodological quality. Five intervention categories were identified: mental health surveillance and monitoring, training and development, relational/team dynamics, flexible work/scheduling, and job/task modifications. Fewer than half (seven) of the studies reported statistically significant improvements in at least one primary outcome (depression or anxiety symptoms). The strength of evidence was insufficient across all intervention categories due to inconsistent findings.
CONCLUSIONS:
Organisational-level interventions, particularly training and development, show promise in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among medical doctors. However, the evidence remains inconsistent, with limited research in low-income and primary care settings. Further high-quality studies are needed to address knowledge gaps and inform effective, evidence-based strategies that support the mental wellbeing of medical professionals.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
