top of page

MEDICINE
FOR LIFE  

Stress and burnout can impact career longevity in medicine. The first step is knowing more about the problem.

MEDICAL PROFESSION

Even the perception of a boundary crossing can harm a doctor’s reputation.

We think boundary challenges are common, often stressful, and could contribute to burnout.

NPS MedicineWise medical advisor Dr Caroline West speaks with A/Prof Lisa Lampe about burnout and the high cost for health professionals and patients.

Burnout impacts health professionals worldwide. Not only is the cost high for the health professional with an increased risk of depression and suicide, but patients can suffer too.
Learn More

Professional Boundaries

Research by the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health.

Few doctors and medical students receive training in how to navigate day-to-day challenges to professional boundaries.

Being prepared for boundary challenges helps reduce stress.

Images Writeon (5)_edited.jpg
Psychologist

THANK YOU 

Thank you to every doctor and medical student that supported our research and shared their opinions in our anonymous online survey. 

The data collection phase of the research has stopped and we are reviewing your feedback to better understand:

How often professional boundary challenges happen.

What resources, training, support or services you need.

Results will be available shortly. Sign up to receive a notification.

HIGH QUALITY RESEARCH

Skilled research team with experience & knowledge of real-world medical care

newcastlelogo_edited.png

Research study funded by a grant provided by the Avant Foundation

Study Results
Team in Colorful Alphabets_edited.png

University of Newcastle human ethics research committee approved

New Avant_Foundations_Logo_RGB.jpeg

School of Medicine
& Public Health

The research is headed by A/Prof Lisa Lampe, MBBS, PhD at the  University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health.

Images Writeon (4)_edited.jpg
Research Focus

Why is the study needed?

1

MEDICAL PROFESSION

The medical profession is rewarding but can be demanding and stressful.

2

NAVIGATE BOUNDARIES

Few doctors & medical students receive training for professional boundary challenges.

3

TRAINING  GAPS

Without training its harder

to build confidence in identifying and managing boundary challenges.

4

STRESS BURNOUT

Lack of confidence in managing boundary challenges may increase stress.  

5

PATIENT HARM

Unpreparedness for boundary challenges can increase the risk of boundary crossings and harm patients.

6

CAREER IMPACT

Even the perception of a boundary crossing can harm a doctor’s reputation and career prospects

Lead Investigator
Hospital

"By learning about the frequency and impact of non-sexual boundary challenges, we can find better ways to support doctors and medical students, personally and professionally."

A/Prof Lisa Lampe, MBBS, PhD

Putting Doctors & Medical Students First

We aim to learn more about the experiences of doctors and medical students in Australia.

Data analysis is currently underway and you can register to receive a notification when results become available.

Share Your Opinion
  • Prior training and confidence in dealing with boundary challenges of various types

  • How frequently boundary challenges are encountered

  • Impacts on levels of wellbeing, fulfillment, stress and burnout

  • Whether challenges are more frequent or impactful in different settings or at different stages of training

Research Questions

Our survey is now closed.

DATA
ANALYSIS 
IN PROGRESS

We hope that the opportunity to share your opinion and read tips and commentary on how to better manage non-sexual professional boundaries was helpful.

If you'd like to review or learn more about non-sexual professional boundaries a copy of all the Case Vignettes and Professional Commentary used in our research is available to download.  

person seated at the table using laptop_

Contact Us

RESULTS AVAILABLE SOON

If you would like to be notified of the findings of our research contact us.

If you have any questions, please

contact the Chief Investigator 

A/Professor Lisa Lampe by telephone at  (02) 4033 9631 or via email: Lisa.Lampe@newcastle.edu.au

Contact
bottom of page