Transforming physician mental health support: Development, implementation and impact of an innovative “Mifne” service
Lilach MALATSKEY, Evie KEMP and Dikla AGUR COHEN
Background: Physicians often face substantial personal and professional challenges, leading to high rates of burnout, psychological distress, and an elevated risk of suicide, which can significantly impact both doctors’ well-being and patient care. Recognizing these challenges, the Israeli Medical Association established the 'MIFNE' service to provide tailored mental health support for physicians and their families.Aims: This study explores the development, implementation, and impact of MIFNE on physician mental health and identifies key trends in service usage and satisfaction.Methods: Data were collected from October 2020 to March 2024. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using referral data, demographic analysis and feedback from satisfaction surveys to evaluate the service's effectiveness.Results: In the first three and a half years, MIFNE received 964 referrals, averaging 270 per year, with increases during the COVID-19 pandemic and the October 7th war. Demographic analysis indicated higher service usage among female physicians, residents, and younger doctors. The main reasons for referral were family issues, anxiety, depression, and work-related stress. Satisfaction surveys showed high ratings for accessibility (94%), confidentiality (98%), professionalism (91%), and service quality (84%), with 65% of participants reporting a substantial positive impact on their mental health.The critical need for mental health support programs for physicians has been well-documented, especially in light of rising levels of stress, burnout, and psychological challenges in this profession. Despite growing awareness of the well-being concerns faced by physicians, time constraints, privacy issues, and stigma remain formidable barriers for doctors to access care and support, and initiatives specifically designed to address these obstacles are lacking. The MIFNE service, a pioneering initiative by the IMA, was designed to address these gapsConclusions: MIFNE’s comprehensive support model effectively addresses the mental health needs of physicians and their families, with the flexibility to develop new services and targeted interventions, particularly during times of crisis. The service’s success highlights its potential as a model for global healthcare systems to improve provider well-being and resilience.
