A Consultant Physiatrist of the Department of Behavioural Sciences of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof Alfred Makanjuola, has recommended multidisciplinary approach in management of bullying and burnout among medical practitioners.

Makanjuola stated this during his paper presentation at 40th Annual General Meeting/Sir Aderibigbe Scientific Conference of the the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD-UITH).

His paper was entitled: “Multidimensional Implications of Bullying aad Burnout among Medical Practitioners in Nigeria.”

Makanjuola remarked that workplace bullying and burnout are two conditions commonly faced, most especially by medical students and medical practitioners undergoing their residency.

The expert described bullying as the ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationship through repeated verbal, physical and social behaviour that can cause social and psychological harm.

According to him, it is often done overtime to humiliate or undermine a group of workers those who are systematically exposed to hostile and aggressive behaviours.

He pointed out that doctors who are bullied perceive to see themselves at the receiving end.

“Bullying includes belittling, insults, threat, physical abuse, gossips and spreading rumours, among others,” he explained.

He observed that bullying is a negative tendency that can precipitate burnout and stress among medical practitioners and also submitted that it can lead to feeling of energy depletion, low personal accomplishment and increased mental distancing.

The Consultant Psychiatrist postulated that consequences of bullying and burnout can pose psychological stress, low performance and low confidence and therefore advised government and relevant stakeholders to evolve comprehensive mental healthcare system.

“There is need for training support, welfare for staff and need for institutionalization of mentoring system,” he said.

In a related presentation, a Consultant Paediatrician of the Department of Paediatrics, University of Ilorin, Prof Aishat Bolakale lamented on the increase in the rate of assault on healthcare workers in Nigeria.

Bolakale spoke on the sub-theme: “The Looming Increase in the Rate of Assault on the Health Workers; The Role of Government.”

She identified factors such as rising workloads, demanding work pressure and deteriorating interpersonal relationship as factors leading to assault on health care providers.

The paediatrician advised on practical approach including education, awareness, identifying high risk patient and circulating security alert numbers as critical in stemming tide of assault on healthcare workers.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of ARD-UITH, Dr Mubarak Ijaiya, stated that the theme of the conference are apt.

According to him, they are issues and challenges healthcare providers encounter during their daily clinical activities.