PhD defence L. (Lara) Solms

Below is a brief summary of the dissertation:

Working in healthcare is extremely stressful. Patient suffering, excessive workloads, and time pressure are the norm, leaving many physicians on the brink of burnout. Feeling mentally and physically exhausted, burnout hurts physician well-being and puts patient safety at risk. Professional coaching, a short-term, tailored, and goal-focused intervention, can help protect physician well-being and functioning. This dissertation presents the findings from four empirical studies providing new insights into effective strategies to support the well-being of physicians. 

A cross-sectional study indicated that job and personal resources are essential for physicians’ well-being, but their effects vary across career stages. An intervention study showed that professional coaching could successfully activate such resources and foster the well-being of physicians. A longitudinal study contributed to a better understanding of providing support during elevated stress. It showed that some types of support are ineffective and may even have adverse effects. The final study that zoomed in on the coaching process provided insights into the role of questioning techniques as a mechanism underlying successful coaching.