The prevalence of burnout amongst primary care physicians (PCPs) in Singapore is likely to be high. The resilient PCP is less likely to suffer from burnout and might recover faster from this condition. Mindfulness and self-compassionate practices are evidence-based skill sets that can enhance PCP resilience in the face of high work-stress. This article briefly explores the evidence base for mindfulness and self-compassionate practices, and details some simple examples of these practices that the reader can attempt.

The prevalence of burnout amongst primary care physicians (PCPs) in Singapore is likely to be high. Burnout has a negative impact on sleep quality, and poor sleep quality in turn feeds into burnout resulting in a vicious perpetuating cycle. Evidenced-based behavioural strategies can be useful to help improve sleep quality, which in turn contributes to the amelioration of burnout. This article details some of the evidence-based behavioural strategies that PCPs can use to improve their own sleep quality if used consistently.

INTRODUCTION: In Singapore, non-anaesthesiologists generally administer sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The drugs used for sedation in hospital endoscopy centres now include propofol in addition to benzodiazepines and opiates. The requirements for peri-procedural monitoring and discharge protocols have also evolved. There is a need to develop an evidence-based clinical guideline on the safe and effective use of sedation by non-anaesthesiologists during gastrointestinal endoscopy in the hospital setting. METHODS: The Academy of Medicine, Singapore appointed an expert workgroup comprising 18 gastroenterologists, general surgeons and anaesthesiologists to develop guidelines on the use of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy. The workgroup formulated clinical questions related to different aspects of endoscopic sedation, conducted a relevant literature search, adopted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology and developed recommendations by consensus using a modified Delphi process. RESULTS: The workgroup made 16 recommendations encompassing 7 areas: (1) purpose of sedation, benefits and disadvantages of sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (2) pre-procedural assessment, preparation and consent taking for sedation; (3) Efficacy and safety of drugs used in sedation; (4) the role of anaesthesiologist administered sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopy; (5) performance of sedation; (6) post-sedation care and discharge after sedation; and (7) training in sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy for non-anaesthesiologists. CONCLUSION These recommendations serve to guide clinical practice during sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy by non-anaesthesiologists in the hospital setting.
Conscious Sedation ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Singapore