Wellness Services: A Need Assessment Survey for Post Graduate Medical Education Trainees at Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan

Objective: The study aimed to assess the need of mental wellbeing services for post graduate medical (PGME) trainees working at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among all PGME trainees working at Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The study questionnaire was developed by the team of investigators. The data collection was done through online survey from April 2019 to May 2019 and it was analyzed using descriptive and inferential analyses. Results: Out of total 623 PGME trainees, 334 trainees completed the online survey (response rate of 53.61%). A total of 292 participants (87.4%) perceived a need for mental health services. The major stressors identified were increase work hours (77.8%), excessive workload (75.1%), and difficulty balancing between work and personal life (72.8%). The perceived obstacles of utilizing mental services included lack of protected time (69.8%), fear of consequences (36.8%), lack of confidentiality (36.5%), and stigma (32.9%). The study participants indicated various suggestions to reduce their stressors such as separate relaxation space in hospital (91.3%), appreciation gestures like encouraging emails (65%), mentoring programs (43.4%), and regular surveys about resident needs (39.8%). Conclusion: It is evident that innovative strategies to address trainees’ mental health needs, looking at limitations of developing countries like Pakistan with large population and limited resources, need to be explored.