This course helps you understand burnout, recognise its early signs in yourself and colleagues, and build sustainable working habits. It explains why burnout is mainly a response to working conditions rather than a personal weakness, and it signposts clearly to support, including your GP, occupational health and NHS Practitioner Health. It is educational and does not diagnose or replace professional help.
What you will learn
- Describe burnout using the WHO's ICD-11 description and its three dimensions.
- Recognise early warning signs of burnout and distress in yourself and in colleagues.
- Explain why burnout is driven largely by working conditions and how individual and organisational actions both matter.
- Use practical, evidence-informed strategies to protect your wellbeing during and between shifts.
- Identify the right sources of support, including your GP, occupational health, NHS Practitioner Health and urgent help, and know when to use them.
Course content
- What burnout is and is not (2 min)
- Why healthcare staff are at risk (3 min)
- Recognising the early signs (2 min)
- Sustainable habits during the working day (3 min)
- Habits outside work and the wider picture (3 min)
- Case study: recognising burnout and getting support (2 min)
- Where to get help (2 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- GMC: Good Medical Practice (2024), including the duty to seek advice and support if your health may affect your practice
- NMC: The Code (2015, updated 2018), including taking action if your health could put patients at risk and supporting colleagues
- HCPC: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics (2024), including managing your health
- GPhC: Standards for pharmacy professionals (2017)
- GMC: Caring for doctors, caring for patients (2019), the report by Michael West and Denise Coia
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.